Religious discrimination in the workplace happens when someone is treated unfavorably as a result of their religious beliefs or practices. In Washington, D.C., both federal and local laws protect workers from being treated this way. The same is true for Maryland and Virginia.
It’s important to note that employers must accommodate all religious practices, unless doing so would cause serious difficulties for the business, or would be illegal behavior.
What is religious discrimination, and how can it be addressed?
Religious discrimination explained
Religious discrimination includes treating someone differently because of their religion or religious customs. This can take many forms, such as:
- Refusing to hire someone based on their religion
- Making offensive remarks about a person’s beliefs
- Denying time off or changes to dress codes for religious reasons
Examples of religious discrimination
Recognizing specific examples can make it easier to spot religious discrimination and take steps to address it. Examples include:
- Dress and appearance: An employer tells an employee to remove a hijab, turban, or yarmulke, or to shave a beard grown for religious reasons, even though it doesn’t interfere with work duties.
- Religious holidays: An employee asks for a day off for a religious holiday, but the request is denied without discussion.
- Prayer breaks: A worker needs short breaks during the day to pray, but the employer refuses to allow any changes to the schedule.
Laws that protect workers
Two key laws protect employees in Washington, D.C.:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This federal law bans religious discrimination and requires employers to offer reasonable accommodations.
- The D.C. Human Rights Act. This local law offers even stronger protections. It bans discrimination in employment and other areas, and it requires employers to allow religious accommodations unless they would cause more than a minimal burden.
Maryland and Virginia have similar laws to protect employees who work in those states.
However, note that certain religious employers, such as churches and parochial schools, are exempt from some discrimination laws for those employees who are involved with the employer’s religious mission. Those employees often cannot bring discrimination claims against their employer if the claim would involve in anyway the religious mission or operations.
If you have faced religious discrimination at work, you can assert your legal rights. The first stage of this is to seek further guidance.
