Can You Be Fired for Your Religious Beliefs?

Religious beliefs are deeply personal and play a significant role in an individual’s identity and lifestyle. While everyone has the right to practice their religion, conflicts can sometimes arise in the workplace. 

This raises an important question: can an employee be fired for their religious beliefs?

What Constitutes Religious Beliefs?

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), religious beliefs are broadly defined as both theistic (a belief in God) and non-theistic (no belief in God) beliefs that are sincerely held by the individual. This means that all mainstream religions, and less conventional, beliefs are protected under the law, as long the person genuinely believes them. 

Legal Protections Against Religious Discrimination

In the United States, there are laws that prohibit employers from discriminating against employees and job applicants based on their religious beliefs. According to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employers are prohibited to hire, fire, promote, and determine salary decisions and other conditions of employment based on a person’s religious belief. 

In addition, Title VII also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for an employee to practice their religion in peace. Some reasonable accommodations would include things like allowing dress code exceptions (wearing a hijab or turban), flexible scheduling for religious observances, and providing time and space for timely praying. In fact, the only exception to this rule is if these accommodations create an “undue hardship” on the business. 

When Can You Be Fired?

While there are laws that offer protection for people with religious beliefs, there are still legal circumstances that allow an employer to terminate an employee. For example, if accommodating an employee’s religious practices would impose significant difficulty or expense on a business, compromise workplace safety, or infringes on the rights or workload of other employees, then the employer may legally terminate an employee based on their religious beliefs. 

However, most employers tend to rely on “at-will” employment laws to terminate an employee. In California, an employer can dismiss an employee for any or no reason as long as it does not violate an anti-discrimination law. If an employer disguises religious discrimination as a lawful termination, an employee may have grounds for legal action. 

What To Do If You Face Religious Discrimination

If someone believes they have been discriminated against or fired because of religious beliefs, they should:

1. Document Everything
   Keep detailed records of any incidents that suggest religious discrimination. This can include conversations, emails, and even unethical disciplinary actions.
2. Speak to HR
   Workers can report the issue to their company’s human resources department. HR would then be required to investigate discrimination claims.
3. File a Complaint with the EEOC
   If a company’s human resources department is unable to handle religious discrimination claims, an employee can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC will investigate the claim and may take action against the employer if they find evidence of discrimination.
4. Seek Legal Advice
   It is recommended to consult with an attorney who specializes in employment law to determine the best course of action for religious discrimination.

How to Promote Religious Inclusion in the Workplace

Both employers and employees have a role if they wish to create a respectful and inclusive work environment, however, it requires constant action and open communication. For employers this can mean providing DEI training and seminars, creating policies that protect against religious discrimination, and being proactive in making reasonable accommodations for their employee’s religious beliefs.  

However, for employees, they must be willing to speak up and properly communicate their religious needs to their employers. As managing a business can take a lot of time and effort, it is important to be respectful and patient and make requests clear and concise, so a mutually beneficial solution can be made.

What Should You Do If You Were Fired For Your Religious Beliefs?

Employees who have been fired for their religious beliefs or have experienced discrimination from their employer have the right to take legal action and seek compensation for their damages. Lawyers for Justice, PC is dedicated to advocating for individuals who have faced religious discrimination, with a strong commitment to securing justice and the compensation they deserve.

Contact (818) 647-9323 today for a free case consultation.