Active U.S. Courts of Appeals

Union Gospel Mission of Yakima v. Ferguson

WA homeless shelter files suit to protect its freedom to hire likeminded people of faith

Washington state officials try to punish religious nonprofits like Yakima Union Gospel Mission for hiring only those who share and live out their religious beliefs
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Summary

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.

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Press Releases

Case Documents

Court
Title
Date
Appellate Court
Brief of amici curiae Wyoming Rescue Mission in support of appellant and for reversal
11/15/2023
Appellate Court
Brief of amicus curiae The Foundation for Moral Law in support of plaintiff/appellant and reversal
11/15/2023
Appellate Court
Brief of amici curiae Antioch Adoptions and The Downtown Soup Kitchen D/B/A Downtown Hope Center in support of appellant
11/15/2023
Appellate Court
Brief of amici curiae 18 current and former Washington State legislators in support of plaintiff-appellant and reversal
11/14/2023
Appellate Court
Appellant's opening brief
11/8/2023
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Case Profiles

Ryan Tucker
Ryan Tucker
Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Christian Ministries
Ryan Tucker serves as senior counsel and director of the Center for Christian Ministries with Alliance Defending Freedom.
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Jacob Reed
Jacob Reed
Legal Counsel
Jacob Reed serves as legal counsel for the Center for Christian Ministries with Alliance Defending Freedom. Reed litigates on behalf of churches, Christian ministries, and religious schools to defend their constitutionally protected rights under the First Amendment.
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