California Courts Uphold Religious Freedom: Ninth Circuit Ruling Benefits Yakima Union Gospel Mission and BYU with Special-Education Funds

Recent court rulings in California have bolstered religious freedom, marking significant victories for various religious organizations. A federal district court has granted the Yakima Union Gospel Mission the ability to operate according to its religious beliefs while its case is ongoing. This decision aligns with constitutional protections allowing religious organizations to hire employees who share their beliefs. Additionally, a recent ruling upheld federal funding for students attending religious schools, benefitting the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities and Brigham Young University (BYU). Furthermore, the Ninth Circuit Court dismissed a California law that previously barred religious schools from accessing special-education funds, describing it as an outdated approach to religious freedom.