Breakpoint Ninth Circuit Issues Landmark Religious Liberty Decision
Jan 8, 2026
A recent Ninth Circuit ruling reinforces that the government cannot compel a Christian organization to hire those who oppose its beliefs. This pivotal decision highlights the importance of maintaining a ministry's religious identity and practices. It raises questions about the implications for faith-based groups in public life, as well as the role of religious liberty in addressing societal issues. While significant, the ruling has limitations regarding its applicability to for-profit entities, marking a key moment for religious organizations.
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Personnel Is Central To Religious Mission
- The Ninth Circuit held religious groups can hire according to faith even for non-minister roles.
- Personnel choices can shape the very character of a religious organization's mission.
Union Gospel Mission's Hiring Policy
- Union Gospel Mission required staff to affirm biblical beliefs about sexuality and marriage.
- Washington law threatened that policy until the Ninth Circuit intervened in the case.
Unexpected Court, Unexpected Ruling
- A favorable ruling came from the often-progressive Ninth Circuit covering states that have been hostile to faith institutions.
- Judicial appointments shifted its makeup, enabling principled conservative opinions like this one.