Lawyers representing a Christian homeless shelter are set to appear in a federal appeals court on Friday to challenge a Washington state anti-discrimination law. This law mandates the charity to hire LGBTQ+ individuals and others who do not share its religious beliefs, particularly regarding sexuality and marriage.
Union Gospel Mission’s Stance
Union Gospel Mission in Yakima, located about 150 miles southeast of Seattle, argues that the law infringes upon its right to hire individuals who align with its religious convictions. The mission is supported by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a global legal organization.
Legal Argument
Ryan Tucker, senior counsel with the alliance, stated that the mission faces legal repercussions for exercising its “constitutionally protected freedom to hire fellow believers who share the mission’s calling to spread the gospel and care for vulnerable people” in their community.
Previous Dismissal
U.S. District Judge Mary K. Dimke dismissed the case last year. The judge agreed with state attorneys, asserting that the lawsuit was an impermissible appeal of a prior case decided by the Washington Supreme Court.
Origin of the Case
The current legal battle stems from a 2017 lawsuit filed by Matt Woods, a bisexual Christian man, who was denied a position as an attorney at a legal aid clinic operated by the Union Gospel Mission in Seattle. Washington’s Law Against Discrimination exempts religious nonprofits, but in 2021, the state Supreme Court ruled that this exemption should only apply to ministerial positions. The case was remanded to trial to determine if the legal aid attorney role qualified for the religious exemption. Woods later dismissed the case, satisfied with the ruling he sought and not wanting to pursue monetary damages from a homeless shelter.
Employment Policy
The Union Gospel Mission in Yakima maintains a policy of hiring only those who adhere to its religious beliefs, requiring employees to abstain from “sexual immorality,” which includes adultery, nonmarried cohabitation, and homosexual conduct, as stated in court documents.
