For example, an employer that is not a religious organization (as legally defined under Title VII) cannot make employees wear religious garb or articles (such as a cross) if they object on grounds of non-belief.īecause this definition is so broad, whether or not a practice or belief is religious typically is not disputed in Title VII religious discrimination cases.ģ. The law's protections also extend to those who are discriminated against or need accommodation because they profess no religious beliefs. Moreover, an employee's belief or practice can be 'religious' under Title VII even if it is not followed by others in the same religious sect, denomination, or congregation, or even if the employee is unaffiliated with a formal religious organization. Religious observances or practices include, for example, attending worship services, praying, wearing religious garb or symbols, displaying religious objects, adhering to certain dietary rules, proselytizing or other forms of religious expression, or refraining from certain activities.

Religious practices may be based on theistic beliefs or non-theistic moral or ethical beliefs as to what is right or wrong that are sincerely held with the strength of traditional religious views. Title VII protects all aspects of religious observance, practice, and belief, and defines religion very broadly to include not only traditional, organized religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, but also religious beliefs that are new, uncommon, not part of a formal church or sect, only subscribed to by a small number of people, or may seem illogical or unreasonable to others. Does Title VII apply to all aspects of religious practice or belief? There may be state or local laws in your jurisdiction that have protections that are parallel to or broader than those in Title VII.Ģ.

retaliation for requesting an accommodation (whether or not granted), for filing a discrimination charge with the EEOC, for testifying, assisting, or participating in any manner in an EEOC investigation or EEO proceeding, or for opposing discrimination.

workplace harassment based on religion.

workplace or job segregation based on religion.

denial of reasonable accommodation for sincerely held religious practices, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship for the employer.

disparate treatment based on religion in recruitment, hiring, promotion, benefits, training, job duties, termination, or any other aspect of employment (except that 'religious organizations' as defined under Title VII are permitted to prefer members of their own religion in deciding whom to employ).

With respect to religion, Title VII prohibits among other things: It also prohibits retaliation against persons who complain of discrimination or participate in an EEO investigation. § 2000e, et seq., as amended ('Title VII'),prohibits employers with at least 15 employees (including private sector, state, and local government employers), as well as employment agencies, unions, and federal government agencies, from discriminating in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. What is the federal law relating to religious dress and grooming in the workplace? In most instances, employers are required by federal law to make exceptions to their usual rules or preferences to permit applicants and employees to observe religious dress and grooming practices.ġ.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) answers questions about how federal employment discrimination law applies to religious dress and grooming practices, and what steps employers can take to meet their legal responsibilities in this area.Įxamples of religious dress and grooming practices include wearing religious clothing or articles ( e.g., a Muslim hijab (headscarf), a Sikh turban, or a Christian cross) observing a religious prohibition against wearing certain garments ( e.g., a Muslim, Pentecostal Christian, or Orthodox Jewish woman's practice of not wearing pants or short skirts), or adhering to shaving or hair length observances ( e.g., Sikh uncut hair and beard, Rastafarian dreadlocks, or Jewish peyes (sidelocks)).

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