San Francisco: Seattle Pacific University’s bid to contest Washington state’s investigation into alleged workplace bias against homosexual conduct received a boost from a U.S. appeals court ruling on Friday. The court revived the university’s lawsuit, allowing it to challenge the state’s enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.
In a unanimous decision, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco acknowledged the “substantial threat” posed by the Washington Attorney General’s office in 2022. The office’s inquiry, prompted by numerous complaints, compelled Seattle Pacific to fear potential liability.
Representing Seattle Pacific, Lori Windham of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty criticized the Attorney General’s actions as an encroachment on the university’s religious freedoms. Windham emphasized the institution’s commitment to upholding its Christian identity while protecting its right to religious expression.
Washington state law prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation but includes exemptions for religious organizations. The dispute arises from Seattle Pacific’s policy barring staff from engaging in homosexual activities, a stance aligned with its religious beliefs.
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The legal battle underscores broader debates surrounding the “ministerial exception” and religious liberties. While Seattle Pacific contends that its policy aligns with its values, the Attorney General’s office asserts its authority to investigate potential discrimination.
The case, now remanded to U.S. District Judge Robert Bryan, will determine the validity of Seattle Pacific’s claims. Despite initial dismissal based on Younger abstention, the appeals court found merit in the university’s concerns about future enforcement actions.
Seattle Pacific University’s challenge represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse on religious freedoms and anti-discrimination laws, with implications extending beyond its campus.
