WA homeless ministry defends religious freedom at 9th Circuit

WHO:  Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys

WHAT:  Arguing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in Union Gospel Mission of Yakima v. Brown

WHEN:  Hearing begins at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 3

WHERE:  William K. Nakamura Courthouse, 1010 Fifth Ave., Seattle, 7th floor, Courtroom 2; or view the livestream. To schedule an interview, contact ADF Media Relations.

SEATTLE – Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys will be arguing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in Seattle Tuesday on behalf of the Yakima Union Gospel Mission. In the case Union Gospel Mission of Yakima v. Brown, the mission is seeking to protect its freedom to hire like-minded individuals who share and live out its religious beliefs and mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through its homeless shelter and other community service programs.

“Religious organizations shouldn’t be punished for exercising their constitutionally protected freedom to hire employees who are aligned with and live out their shared religious beliefs,” said ADF Senior Counsel Jeremiah Galus, who will be arguing before the court. “Yakima Union Gospel Mission exists to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through its homeless shelter, addiction-recovery programs, outreach efforts, meal services, and health clinics. But it faces substantial penalties under Washington state law for simply engaging in its freedom to hire fellow believers who share the mission’s calling. We are urging the 9th Circuit to protect the ministry’s constitutional rights.”

In August 2024, the 9th Circuit held that the mission can challenge the Washington Law Against Discrimination, the state law at issue. Three months later, a federal district court ordered that state officials cannot enforce the law against the mission because it likely violates the Free Exercise Clause.

The Yakima Union Gospel Mission serves everyone regardless of background or belief, but it furthers its religious purpose by employing only likeminded believers who agree with and live out the mission’s Christian beliefs and practices, including the mission’s beliefs on biblical marriage and sexuality. But the Washington law threatens the mission with significant penalties and liability for hiring only those who share its religious beliefs and convictions.

• Pronunciation guide: Galus (GAL’-us)

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.

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