9th Circuit allows WA homeless ministry to continue case against state officials

The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Ryan Tucker, director of the Center for Christian Ministries, regarding a decision Monday by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit that allows a Washington state homeless ministry to continue its case against state officials. In Union Gospel Mission of Yakima v. Ferguson, the 9th Circuit overturned a lower court’s order dismissing the case and held the Christian ministry can challenge a state law that limits its freedom to hire like-minded individuals who share and live out its religious beliefs and mission:

“The Constitution gives religious organizations the freedom to hire employees who are aligned with and live out their religious beliefs. 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 to spread the Gospel and care for vulnerable people in the Yakima community. The 9th Circuit rightly overturned the lower court’s dismissal, permitting the ministry to pursue protection for its constitutional rights in federal court.”

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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