Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission / PHOTO: Alliance Defending Freedom Seattle ‘s Union Gospel Mission, a Christian non-profit group that aids the homeless , appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday after the Washington Supreme Court issued a decision that forced it to hire non-Christian employees.
The Washington Supreme Court ruled in Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission v. Woods that the Christian organization does not have a protected First Amendment right to hire employees whose beliefs align with its own, according to a press release from the Alliance Defending Freedom , which represents the Mission.
“Churches and religious organizations have the First Amendment right to hire those who share their beliefs without being punished by the government,” said John Bursch, ADF senior counsel and vice president of appellate advocacy.
The Supreme Court has established longstanding precedent that religious groups have the First Amendment right to outline employment and membership criteria.“Courts have consistently recognized […]
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