Ninth Circuit Revives Yakima Mission’s Lawsuit Against WA State

In a significant legal victory for the Yakima Union Gospel Mission, a panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the organization's lawsuit against Washington State may proceed, reversing a previous decision that dismissed the case in 2023.

THE RULING CONCERNS THE IMPACT ON MISSION HIRING PRACTICES

The court's ruling addresses concerns regarding the state's anti-discrimination law and its potential impact on the mission’s hiring practices. According to an article from Courthouse News Service, the panel found that lower court Judge Jennifer A. had incorrectly dismissed the mission's lawsuit, asserting that the organization does have standing under Article III of the Constitution.

THE CASE WILL NOW BE BACK IN WASHINGTON COURTS SOON

The ruling allows the case to return to Washington state courts, where it will examine the constitutionality of the state’s anti-discrimination law as it applies to religious organizations. At the core of the Yakima Union Gospel Mission's arguments is a provision in Washington State's Law Against Discrimination, which prohibits organizations from making hiring decisions based on an applicant's religion—except for positions deemed ministerial.

MISSION OFFICIALS SAY THE RESTRICTION IS CRIPPLING

The mission contends that this restriction jeopardizes their fundamental right to hire employees that align with their Christian beliefs. The case originated from a 2017 lawsuit filed by a Christian bisexual man who sought employment as an attorney at the mission's legal office but claimed he was denied the position due to alleged discriminatory practices.

WHAT SPARKED THE MISSION TO FILE THE SUIT?

Although Washington's anti-discrimination law includes exemptions for non-profit religious organizations, a 2021 court ruling clarified that these exemptions only apply to ministerial roles, which sparked further legal challenges from the mission. In its recent ruling, the Ninth Circuit panel pointed out that the state failed to demonstrate it would refrain from enforcing the law against the Yakima Union Gospel Mission, a requirement established in a precedent case discussed in 2000.

THE MISSION WAS FEARING ENFORCEMENT

This ruling underscores the tension between religious organizations and state anti-discrimination laws, particularly as the mission's officials expressed concerns about potential enforcement actions following an investigation by Washington State's Attorney General Bob Ferguson into Seattle Pacific University, a private Christian institution.

A BIG LEGAL BATTLE IS ON THE WAY

As the case heads back to Washington courts, both the mission and state officials will prepare for what promises to be a pivotal legal battle addressing the intersection of religious freedom and anti-discrimination protections in employment. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for religious organizations operating in Washington and beyond.
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