WA homeless ministry asks federal court to protect its religious freedom

WHO: Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys

WHAT: Available for media interviews following virtual hearing in Union Gospel Mission of Yakima v. Ferguson

WHEN: Immediately following hearing, which begins at 10 a.m. PDT, Friday, Oct. 11

WHERE: Richland U.S. Courthouse & Federal Building, Richland Courtroom 189 via video conference. To schedule an interview, contact ADF Media Relations Manager Jacqueline Ribeiro at (202) 961-9396.

RICHLAND, Wash. – Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing a Washington state homeless ministry will be available for media interviews Friday following a virtual hearing at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington in Richland in Union Gospel Mission of Yakima v. Ferguson.

In August, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit overturned a lower court’s order dismissing the case and held that Yakima Union Gospel Mission can challenge a state law that limits its freedom to hire like-minded individuals who share and live out its religious beliefs. Now, the Christian ministry is asking the federal district court to prevent state officials from enforcing the unconstitutional law against it. The mission seeks 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, addiction-recovery programs, outreach efforts, meal services, and health clinics.

“The Constitution gives religious organizations the freedom to hire employees who are aligned with and live out their religious beliefs,” said ADF Senior Counsel Ryan Tucker, director of the Center for Christian Ministries. “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. We are urging the court to protect the ministry’s constitutional rights.”

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 Washington state law prohibits the mission from requiring this. The mission has several open positions that it needs to hire for as soon as possible, but it risks significant penalties and liability under Washington law for using its religiously based hiring practices to fill them.

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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