Christian Charity Sues County In Heated Contract Battle
Gracehaven, a Christian charity that helps youth trafficked for sex, has filed a lawsuit against Montgomery County in Ohio after the county refused to renew its contract. The lawsuit, filed in December 2024, claims that the county opted not to renew the contract due to Gracehaven’s policy of only hiring Christians. The organization had been contracted since 2017 by the Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services to provide services for girls rescued from sex trafficking in therapeutic group homes.
The county’s contract with Gracehaven typically renews every two years, with the county reimbursing the charity through Title IV-E foster care maintenance funds from the federal government. However, the county decided not to renew the contract last year, reportedly due to concerns over federal laws that prohibit religious discrimination in employment practices. Gracehaven argues that its right to hire individuals who share its religious beliefs is protected by the First Amendment.
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a legal nonprofit representing Gracehaven, is seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the contract’s termination. ADF’s legal counsel, Jacob Reed, emphasized that religious organizations like Gracehaven should not be penalized for hiring employees based on their faith. Reed further stated that Gracehaven’s right to make such employment decisions is protected by both the Constitution and federal and state laws.
Montgomery County officials have declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing pending litigation, but have expressed their commitment to transparency and promised to provide updates as appropriate. The case reflects broader legal debates about whether the government can contract with religious organizations that maintain religious hiring practices.
Founded in 2008, Gracehaven aims to provide sex trafficking prevention services and support for trafficked youth, helping them recover and live with dignity. The organization’s work is vital in combating sex trafficking, and its ability to hire staff based on shared religious beliefs remains at the center of the ongoing legal dispute.