Alliance Defending Freedom Protects Faith-Based Hiring in Victory for 71Five Ministries

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit has ordered the restoration of state funding to Youth 71Five Ministries, an Oregon-based Christian youth organization represented by Alliance Defending Freedom. The decision marks an important step in protecting the constitutional rights of faith-based organizations to maintain their religious identity while participating in public programs.

What is Alliance Defending Freedom?

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, marriage and family, and the sanctity of life.

Alliance Defending Freedom Church & Ministry Alliance is a specialized branch of Alliance Defending Freedom that offers legal assistance to religious organizations. The division works to safeguard the essential rights of faith-based groups, helping them freely practice and express their beliefs without unwarranted external interference.

The case, Youth 71Five Ministries v. Williams, stemmed from Oregon state officials’ decision to deny 71Five access to previously approved funds from the Youth Community Investment Grants program. The denial came after the ministry refused to compromise its religious beliefs by abandoning its practice of asking employees and volunteers to sign a statement of faith.

71Five Ministries has served at-risk youth in Oregon’s Rogue Valley for 60 years, providing mentorship and safe spaces for young people to grow and avoid destructive lifestyles. The ministry welcomes participants of all backgrounds but maintains its Christian identity through its staff and volunteers.

From 2017 to 2023, 71Five successfully applied for and received state funding. However, a new rule introduced for the 2023-2025 cycle required applicants to certify that they “do not discriminate” based on religion in their employment practices. The rule forced 71Five to either abandon its religious hiring practices or forfeit critical funding.

The case illustrates the challenges faced by faith-based organizations in an increasingly secularized public sphere.

Alliance Defending Freedom, representing 71Five, argued that the state’s actions violated the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause. The 9th Circuit agreed, stating in its opinion that “the government must treat secular and religious groups equally.” The court noted that Oregon had not applied its non-discrimination policy neutrally, as it continued to fund secular organizations that favored certain groups based on race and gender identification. For example, “a group named Ophelia’s Place continues to receive funds even though it provides services only to ‘girl-identifying youth.’ And another group called the Black Parent Initiative receives funds, despite only serving African and African American families,” the ruling stated.

The 9th Circuit ruling allows 71Five to receive the previously denied funding and to be reimbursed for eligible costs and expenses. More importantly, it affirms the principle that religious organizations should not have to choose between their faith and participation in public programs.

In a statement on Alliance Defending Freedom Media, ADF Senior Counsel Jeremiah Galus emphasized the importance of this case, writing: “71Five provides vital support and care to anyone who needs it, but Oregon officials are punishing it because it’s a Christian ministry that reasonably asks volunteers and staff to agree to Christian beliefs. By stripping 71Five of its funding, Oregon put religious ministries to an impossible choice: hire those who reject your beliefs to receive funding that everyone else can access or go without the funding. This is a critical first step toward restoring the ministry’s constitutionally protected freedoms.”

The case is part of a broader trend of challenges to religious freedom in the public square. Alliance Defending Freedom has consistently argued that the First Amendment protects the right of faith-based organizations to maintain their religious identity, even when participating in government programs. The Supreme Court has affirmed this principle in multiple rulings, including Alliance Defending Freedom case Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer and other cases like Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue.

As Alliance Defending Freedom continues to fight this case through the legal system, a favorable final ruling could reinforce crucial protections for religious organizations nationwide.