In the State of California, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against a worker based on that worker’s religion, religious beliefs, and/or religious practices. Employees who have been discriminated against based on their religion have the legal right to file a claim against the employer for the wrongful actions.
As an Applicant, the Law Still Protects You
Under both state and federal law, religious discrimination in the workplace is illegal. Based on California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, or FEHA, employers cannot discriminate against employees based on their religion. Furthermore, it is also an illegal workplace practice for employers to discriminate against people because of their religion on the following circumstances: During the application process, Refusing to select an individual for a training program or promotion, Firing a worker, and/or Discriminating in terms of workplace conditions, privileges, or compensation
Religious discrimination in the workplace involves almost all aspects of religious beliefs or religious practices. Under the law, workplace discrimination based on religion will include the following: Religion, Religious creed, Religious beliefs, Religious observances, Religious grooming practices or dress.
How to Know If You Are Being Discriminated Against
Based on state and federal law, it is unlawful for employers to do the following based on your religion:
- Refuse to hire you or promote you,
- Refusing to select you for a training opportunity,
- Fire you or demote you in position,
- Refuse to give you a raise or reduce you salary,
- Deny to provide you with equal pay,
- Deny you benefits,
- Harass you,
- Force you to quit your job, and/or
- Discriminate against you in any other way
Workplace discrimination can be straightforward and obvious, but in some cases, it can be subtle and difficult to detect. Workplace discrimination can sometimes take place in a manner that is difficult for a worker to understand that he or she was even treated differently.
Knowing When to File a Complaint Based on Workplace Discrimination
Religious discrimination in the workplace is illegal based on both state and federal laws. In a majority of cases, however, the State of California offers a wider-range of protections for anti-discrimination, and because of this, many workers will file a complaint under the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing than the federal agency.
If you have been discriminated against at work because of your religion, you may need to go through your workplace Human Resources Department first. Before filing a claim, you may also be required to go through the federal agency before you can go through the state. Consider speaking to a well-versed attorney who can investigate your case and defend your rights as a worker.
The attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation are skilled in the field of employment law. Facing workplace discrimination is a difficult experience, and it should never be tolerated. If you are facing discrimination in your workplace because of your religion, it is important that you keep documentation of the wrongful actions and speak to a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you. The attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation have many years of dedicated experience in handling the most complex workplace discrimination claims; consider contacting the law firm today for a no-obligation consultation.
