Appeals court hears Christian homeless shelter’s challenge to Washington anti-discrimination law

Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A Christian homeless shelter is challenging a Washington state anti-discrimination law that would require the charity to hire LGBTQ+ people and others who don’t share its religious beliefs. Lawyers for Union Gospel Mission in Yakima asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday to revive a lawsuit dismissed by a lower court. Judges on the panel pressed lawyers for Washington state to disavow enforcement against Union Gospel Mission. The AG’s office said it was not investigating the mission. Washington’s anti-discrimination law exempts religious nonprofits. But in 2021, the state Supreme Court said the religious hiring exemption should only apply to ministerial positions.