CompassCare v. Hochul

SB 660, a law passed by the New York State Assembly and signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, requires all employers—including churches, religious schools, faith-based pregnancy care centers, and religious nonprofits—to disavow their beliefs about abortion, contraception, and sexual morality by forcing them to hire and employ those who refuse to abide by the organizations’ statements of faith.

Case timeline

• January 2019: The New York State Legislature passed SB 660, which forced pro-life organizations to hire employees who do not share their beliefs.
• November 2019: ADF attorneys challenged the law on behalf of CompassCare, NIFLA, and First Bible.
• March 2022: A federal district court struck down the requirement for religious employers to advocate for the law in their employee handbooks, but it left the rest of the law in place.
• April 2022: ADF attorneys appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit.
• December 2023: The 2nd Circuit heard oral arguments in the case.
• January 2025: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit ruled to reinstate an expressive association claim seeking to affirm the freedom of faith-based pregnancy centers and churches to employ individuals who agree with their fundamental beliefs and missions.
• April 2025: The case was dismissed after the court interpreted the law to allow our clients to hire only employees who agree with their beliefs opposing abortion.