Everyone has the right to be free from unlawful discrimination in the workplace so that they can focus on their job. Several characteristics are illegal to discriminate against in the workplace, from racial discrimination to disability discrimination. It’s also illegal to discriminate against a person because of their religion or their perceived religion.
A person’s religion is something that can be very personal and private, but it is also something that can dictate their dress, daily routines and the holidays that they recognize. This is why elements of religion can become subject to discrimination in the workplace, but this does not mean that they should ever be tolerated. The following are some types of religious discrimination that can commonly take place in the workplace, and how all workers are protected from them.
Discrimination when making general employment decisions
Unfortunately, it can sometimes be the case that employers discriminate against employees when making general decisions in the company. It may be the case, for example, that an employer asks prospective employees their religion in the job interview and makes hiring decisions based on their answer. This would be a crude example of blatant discrimination. Employees may also feel that they have been refused promotions or been fired because of their religion.
Discrimination when refusing to reasonable accommodation
All employees have the right to request reasonable accommodations from their employers regarding their religion. These requests should be accepted as long as it does not cause undue hardship to the employer. This reasonable accommodation could include requests to wear a certain type of clothing that is important for their expression of faith.
Alternatively, it could be reasonable to request leave on a significant religious day. If these types of requests are categorically and routinely denied by your employer, or if you notice that employees of other religions have their requests accepted while yours are not, consider taking legal action to assert your rights.
Taking the time to understand your protections under the law is essential to ensuring that you do not inadvertently tolerate religious discrimination in the workplace. Make sure that you take swift action if you wish to make a legal claim in Missouri.
