A court decision has affirmed the right of religious organisations to employ people based on their faith, even for non-ministerial positions.

Homelessness charity Union Gospel Mission sought exemption from state discrimination laws, arguing that they should be able to exclusively hire Christian employees. Whilst it was already an established principle that Christian organisations could positively discriminate on faith when hiring ministers, Union Gospel Mission hoped to see this principle expanded to all roles.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in their favour, submitting that the principle of church autonomy, which has long been recognised in US law, “forbids interference” with “an internal church decision that affects the faith and mission of the church itself.”

The court stated: “In cases involving the hiring of non-ministerial employees, a religious institution may enjoy [church autonomy] when a challenged hiring decision is rooted in a sincerely held religious belief.”

The verdict will apply to organisations of all faiths.

It has been hailed a victory by the legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, which has represented the Christian group for nearly three years.

Attorney Jeremiah Galus said the court “correctly ruled that the First Amendment protects the mission’s freedom to hire fellow believers who share that calling.”

“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,” he added.