Wash. Supreme Court published opinion — 961328.pdf

Citation: Wash. Supreme Court published opinion — 961328.pdf
Jurisdiction: Washington (state)
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Original Source: https://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/961328.pdf ↗

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Woods is Christian. After entering law school, he decided to volunteer with

SUGM’s legal clinic, ODLS. As part of his volunteer service, Woods willingly

signed SUGM’s statement of faith, which requires, among other things, agreement

that the Bible is the infallible word of God. SUGM belongs to the Association of

Gospel Rescue Missions, a group of roughly 300 evangelical Christian ministries.

All member associations must comply with a similar evangelical Christian statement

of faith for their volunteers and employees. The statement of faith Woods signed

did not mention sexual orientation.

As a volunteer, Woods helped ODLS clients resolve various legal issues

involving divorce, child support, and immigration issues, and he represented his

clients at administrative hearings. Woods found satisfaction in his volunteer work,

which aligned with his faith. He hoped to someday obtain paid, full-time

employment with SUGM. In 2014, shortly after Woods was admitted to practice

law in Washington State, a staff attorney position with ODLS opened, and Woods

received an e-mail encouraging him and other volunteers to apply. ODLS employs

a managing attorney, two staff attorneys, and an administrative assistant/interpreter.

The job description listed several essential job duties and required knowledge, skills,

and abilities, many of which had religious aspects. The application also required

answers to several questions about the applicant’s religious beliefs.

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For the current opinion, go to https://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/wareports/.
Woods v. Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, 96132-8
(Stephens, J., dissenting in part and concurring in part)

Woods is bisexual. Unsure whether SUGM would accept his sexual