California Religious Discrimination Attorney

Call (888) 796-4010 to Schedule a Free Consultation with Attorney Marder

Religious discrimination involves treating a person unfavorably due to his or her religious beliefs. Fortunately, the law protects those who belong to traditional religions (Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, etc.). The law also protects those who have sincerely held religious, moral, or ethical beliefs.

At Polaris Law Group, our Northern California employment lawyer is committed to protecting your rights. With more than 25 years of legal experience, he can thoroughly review your case and determine all of your available legal options. Do not let another day go by where you are being subjected to harassment and discrimination based on your religious beliefs.

• Related: 4 Steps to Take If You Are Dealing with Workplace Discrimination

Contact us today to request a consultation with Attorney Marder.

Understanding Religious Discrimination in the Workplace

The law prohibits discrimination in any regard to any aspect of employment, such as:

• Hiring
• Firing
• Pay
• Training
• Promotions
• Benefits
• Job assignments
• Other terms or conditions of employment.

It is also illegal to harass an individual due to their religion. Some examples of discrimination based on religion include:

• Setting work schedules that do not allow employees to take off important religious holidays
• Refusing to hire employees due to their religion
• Paying employees different salaries due to their religion
• Creating a mandatory dress code that negatively impacts those who wear certain clothing as part of their faith

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids job segregation based on religion, including wearing religious apparel and grooming practices. An employer must reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs or practices.

The law doesn’t protect a person against simple teasing, offhand remarks, and isolated incidents. Harassment involves frequent and severe torment that it creates a hostile work environment. Harassment also involves adverse employment decisions (being fired or demoted) due to discriminatory factors.

What Should You Do if You Believe You’re Being Discriminated Against Because of Your Religion?

If an employee believes they are being discriminated against due to their religion, it is crucial to take prompt and appropriate action. Initially, the employee should document all instances of the alleged discrimination, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses or evidence. This documentation can be vital in supporting their claim. Next, the employee should review their company's policies on discrimination and follow the internal procedures for reporting such incidents. This typically involves notifying a supervisor, human resources, or the designated compliance officer within the organization.

If the internal process does not resolve the issue, or if the employee feels uncomfortable reporting it internally, they should consider filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These agencies are responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws and can investigate the complaint. Additionally, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney specializing in employment discrimination, such as our religious discrimination lawyer, can provide valuable guidance and ensure the employee's rights are protected throughout the process.

Are Employers Required to Accommodate Employees’ Religious Practices?

Yes, employers are generally required to accommodate employees' religious practices, as long as the accommodation does not cause undue hardship to the business. Employers must make reasonable accommodations for an employee's religious beliefs and practices, such as allowing flexible scheduling, providing time off for religious observances, or permitting religious attire or grooming practices.

If accommodating an employee's religious practice imposes more than minimal costs or disrupts business operations significantly, the employer may claim undue hardship. It is important for both employers and employees to engage in an open dialogue to find a feasible solution that respects religious practices while maintaining workplace efficiency. Seeking legal advice from an experienced religious discrimination lawyer can help navigate these situations and ensure compliance with the law.

Let Us Begin Your Case Right Away!

At Polaris Law Group, our legal team can investigate your claims. We can collect evidence necessary to develop an effective and personalized legal strategy. Our team is dedicated to eliminating workplace discrimination once and for all. Whether we reach a settlement inside or outside of court, we will protect your rights every step of the way.

Suggested Reading:

• How Can You Tell If You Were Discriminated Against for Your Religion?

Contact Polaris Law Group at (888) 796-4010 and request a free consultation today.