Discrimination can be a common occurrence in today’s workplace. Like many other types of discrimination, it can be subtle and difficult to detect or prove. The following information may help you better understand your rights and demand equal treatment at your place of employment.

WHAT IS RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION?

Religious discrimination is when an employer makes a decision regarding hiring, promotions, shifts assignments, and pay based on an employee’s or potential employees’ religious beliefs. Employment law provides protection from discrimination on the basis of religion.

It is imperative to know that employers must make their employment decisions based on sound non-discriminatory practices. Moreover, employees are within their rights to practice any religion. Your employer should never ask you about your religion or make you feel pressured to disclose this protected information.

LEGAL PROTECTIONS

The first amendment in the U.S. Constitution grants the freedom of religion to all citizens of the U.S. This law is the foundation for the following legal protections against religious discrimination.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 offers protection for all Americans on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, or national origin. This law fundamentally provided greater protections to all people. With regards to religion, it helped to more concretely establish legal protections for those who face discrimination. The law created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. And it operates as a legal mechanism by which people can make complaints and begin cases against employers who have discriminated against them.

The Civil Rights Act of 1991 further strengthened legal protections in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for employees and labor law. It created more opportunities to address discriminatory practices and fostered a more inclusive perspective for those who could launch complaints against employers.

Knowing the above laws and how they protect your religious freedom are paramount to ensuring your peace of mind in the workplace. And understanding them can help you better take action on any discriminatory issues if they occur.