{"id":4752,"date":"2016-04-04T11:47:41","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:47:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/religion-in-the-workplace.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T05:38:13","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T10:38:13","slug":"religion-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/religion-in-the-workplace.html","title":{"rendered":"Avoiding Religious Discrimination in the Workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Avoiding Religious Discrimination in the Workplace<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The right to religious observance is one of the most cherished rights in America. It is also one of the most difficult to integrate into the workplace.<\/p>\r\n

Everyone has their own sincerely held religious beliefs. With the incredible diversity in the American workplace, having one or more religions at odds is likely. Federal and state laws require employers to accommodate religious beliefs, but not to the point of undue hardship on business operations.<\/p>\r\n

This article explains some requirements for religious accommodations in the workplace and how small business owners can avoid religious discrimination<\/a> among their employees.<\/p>\r\n

Religion, Employment, and Anti-Discrimination Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964<\/a> prohibits employers from discriminating based on race, national origin, gender, or religious expression. Other federal and state laws have expanded these protections to additional protected classes, such as sexual orientation. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission<\/a> (EEOC) enforces laws against discrimination in the workplace.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Religious expression may include:<\/p>\r\n