An appeals court in the United States has ruled that a Christian homeless mission cannot be forced to hire workers who do not agree with its religious beliefs.
Yakima Union Gospel Mission (YUGM), based in Washington, is free to hire only those who agree with its purpose to spread the gospel through its homeless shelter and community projects after a unanimous decision from the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
The Washington Supreme Court had previously interpreted state law as prohibiting organisations from hiring only those candidates who align with its religious beliefs.
Penalties had been threatened against the mission for limiting hiring to Christians and requiring employees to support its views on sexuality and marriage.
A statement from YUGM said: "The Mission is committed to serving the needs of others as an expression of our faith, just as we have been for the last 90 years.
"The Constitution protects our freedom to hire people who share that faith. We are grateful for the court’s unanimous decision affirming that freedom."
The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) supported the mission’s case in the appeals court.
Jeremiah Galus, senior counsel for the ADF, said: “Religious organizations shouldn’t be punished for exercising their constitutionally protected freedom to hire employees who are aligned with and live out their shared religious beliefs.
“Yakima Union Gospel Mission exists to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through its homeless shelter, addiction-recovery programs, outreach efforts, meal services, and health clinics."
He added: “The 9th Circuit correctly ruled that the First Amendment protects the mission’s freedom to hire fellow believers who share that calling."
Legal action has been running for just under three years, when ADF counsel filed a lawsuit on behalf of YUGM in March 2023.