Union Gospel Mission of Yakima v. Brown

The Washington Supreme Court recently reinterpreted state law to prohibit religious organizations, including Yakima Union Gospel Mission, from only hiring individuals who share and live out its religious beliefs. State officials are threatening the mission with significant penalties for using its constitutionally protected right to hire employees who share and live the ministry’s religious beliefs.

Case Timeline

• March 2021: A Washington Supreme Court ruling effectively gutted the WLAD’s exemption for religious employers.
• March 2023: ADF attorneys filed a lawsuit on behalf of Yakima Union Gospel Mission seeking to protect its right to hire employees who share its beliefs.
• November 2023: After a federal district court dismissed the case, ADF attorneys appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.
• July 2024: ADF attorneys presented oral argument before the 9th Circuit.
• August 2024: The 9th Circuit reversed the lower court’s decision and held that the Mission can challenge Washington’s law.
• October 2024: ADF attorneys participated in a hearing at the district court on the Mission’s request for an injunction.
• November 2024: The federal district court ruled that it is likely unconstitutional for Washington state officials to enforce the law against the Mission while the lawsuit proceeds.
• June 2025: ADF attorneys returned to the 9th Circuit to present oral argument in the case.
• January 2026: In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled in favor of the Yakima Union Gospel Mission.