Bisexual man sues Union Gospel Mission for job discrimination

Matt Woods, 31, is suing the Union Gospel Mission for discriminating against him because of his sexual orientation.

Woods is bisexual. While he was in law school, he was volunteering at the Union Gospel Mission through Open Door Legal Services for three years. He says in October 2016, when a staff attorney position was open, he applied.

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Woods said he was even encouraged to apply, but when he told them he was bisexual the situation quickly changed. According to the lawsuit, Weber was told “sorry you won’t be able to apply.”

Woods was told his behavior violates the Union Gospel Mission Code of Conduct: “All staff members are expected to live by a Biblical moral code that excludes…homosexual behavior…and any activity that would have an appearance of evil.”

Woods told KIRO 7 this is not about the money; he doesn’t want to take away funds that could be used to help the homeless. He said he wants the Union Gospel Mission to change their policy.

Jeff Lilley is the president of the Union Gospel Mission and is unapologetic about the code of conduct.

He told KIRO 7 it is no secret the Union Gospel Mission is a conservative Christian organization. He says all of his employees, about 230, have signed the code of conduct and could be asked to share their faith with those they are serving.

He says the Union Gospel Mission is a religious organization and is protected by the U.S. Constitution. He is disappointed the Union Gospel Mission will have to take money away from helping the homeless to respond to the lawsuit.