From CBN News at | CBN News

A U.S. federal appeals court has ruled that religious groups have a constitutional right to only hire employees who agree with their religious beliefs. The ruling applies to all employees, not just those who operate as ministers.

A three-judge panel on the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously in the case of Union Gospel Mission of Yakima, Washington, a Christian homeless shelter with about 150 employees.

The case centers on the Washington Law Against Discrimination (“WLAD”), which prohibits employment discrimination based on several protected grounds, including sexual orientation.

The Union Gospel Mission’s purpose is to minister to people, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through a homeless shelter and other community service programs. So it serves anyone and everyone regardless of their background or beliefs, but the ministry requires biblical standards for employees, which include “abstaining from any sexual conduct outside of biblical marriage between one man and one woman.”