Religious Discrimination Law
Federal and state laws prohibit religious discrimination in employment, and employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees or applicants because of their religious beliefs. If you believe that you have been the victim of religious discrimination at work, you should contact a New York employment discrimination lawyer as soon as you can.
Federal Religious Discrimination Law
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits federal agencies and other employers from discriminating against employees or applicants based on their religious beliefs.
The EEOC defines religious beliefs as including:
- Theistic beliefs (e.g., belief in God)
- Sincerely held non-theistic moral or ethical beliefs held as firmly as traditional religious beliefs
- Ideas about “ultimate” issues such as life and death
- Atheist beliefs
Not only are employers prohibited from discriminating on the basis of the above, but they are also forbidden to force their employees to participate or not participate in any religious activity.
Employers subject to federal law are also required to reasonably accommodate employees whose sincerely held beliefs, practices, or observances conflict with work requirements unless such accommodation would create an undue hardship for the employer. For example, the accommodation would include any adjustment to the work environment that will allow the employee to practice his or her religion. The employer may deny the accommodation if it creates an undue hardship for the employer. Undue hardships can include cost, safety issues, decreases in efficiency, infringement of the rights of others, or increases in the burden on other employees.
New York Religious Discrimination Law
New York State’s Human Rights Law protects employees and job applicants from discrimination that may require them to violate or forgo a sincerely held practice of their religion as a condition of getting hired or staying employed. Likewise, the New York City Human Rights Law prohibits religious discrimination in employment or to treat someone differently because of their faith. For practical purposes, these are essentially the same requirements as federal law.
Call a New York Religious Discrimination Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
If you believe that you have suffered employment discrimination because of your religion or religious beliefs, you should contact a lawyer as soon as you can. To schedule a free case evaluation, call A.Y.G., PLLC, today at 646-201-8625 or contact us online.