Religious Discrimination

Religious discrimination in the workplace is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This Act prohibits employers from discriminating against race in all hiring, firing, promotions, and so on that occurs in the work environment. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees, and applies to all employers (including government agencies and organizations).

Title VII

Under Title VII, the following is prohibited

• Employers may not treat employees or applicants differently based on religious beliefs or practices.
• Employers cannot be forced to participate or not participate in any religious activity as a condition of employment.
• Employers must reasonably accommodate the employees' religious practices unless doing so would impose hardship on the employer.
• Employers are not required to accommodate religious beliefs and practices if doing so would impose a hardship on the employer's businesses.
• Employers must permit employees to engage in religious expression (unless doing so would impose hardship on the employer's business).
• Employers must take steps to prevent religious harassment of their employees.

More Information

It is also illegal to retaliate against and/or fire an employee for opposing employment practices that discriminate based on religion. If an employee is fired for opposing discrimination practices or opposing participating in an employer's religious practices, this may be considered wrongful termination.

Helpful Links:

• EEOC Information
• Title VII