The First Amendment provides many rights for the people of the United States, including the right to religious freedom. What many don’t know is that there are two separate but related parts to religious freedom in the First Amendment. The government cannot promote religion or prevent people from practicing religion. Even though these two might seemingly work hand in hand, they tend to struggle with each other. This can cause the infringement of religious rights in the workplace.
For 30 years, Attorney Kerrie Campbell has been helping people across the United States fight against those who repress their religious freedoms as laid out in the U.S. Constitution. Our firm is dedicated to everyone’s equality and will look to do what is right.
What is Religious Discrimination?
It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against their employee because of their religious beliefs. Employees who are a victim of this type of discrimination may be eligible for compensation.
To break it down more in-depth, federal and state laws make it illegal for employers to terminate, fail to promote, or mistreat an employee because of what religious observances he or she has. Religious freedoms can also be repressed in the workplace when an employer fails to provide an employee with a requested reasonable accommodation.
Religious Accommodations
Employees can reasonably request accommodations for their religious observances as long as they do not create a hardship for the workplace. Common accommodations employees may make include:
- Exceptions to the company’s dress and grooming code
- Schedule accommodations for an employee to attend religious services
- Changes in job duties
- Excusal from religious invocations offered at meetings
These accommodations could cause hardships in the sense that a religious practice may cause security hazards or health risks, cost the workplace a substantial amount of money, or cause a lack of staffing.
The Establishment Clause
According to the First Amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This is known as the Establishment Clause, but how important is it in the eyes of today’s law?
The interpretation of what is laid out in the Constitution has changed over time. The Establishment Clause has generated controversy in the last fifty years, especially in the area of school prayer and government funding of religious schools. Even the Supreme Court hasn’t come to a clear-cut agreement on the matter.
The Free Exercise Clause
Decisions involving the Free Exercise Clause have not been as controversial as those involving the Establishment Clause. It is clear that anyone has an absolute right to hold any religious belief they want, which may not be interfered with by the government. The problem arises as to what extent the government can control conduct that is based on an individual’s religious belief.
The government may not target specific religious practices, but its general restrictions on conduct which is directed at everyone may also be applied to individuals engaging in that prohibited conduct for religious reasons.
Attorney Kerrie Campbell Can Protect Your Religious Rights
Your religious rights matter, especially in the workplace. If you believe you are a victim of religious discrimination, you should consider contacting an attorney who will fight for your justice.
For thirty years, Attorney Kerrie Campbell has represented employees throughout the nation who have been discriminated by their employers and have suffered because of it. Ms. Campbell will defend you to the highest extent of her abilities.
If you are a victim of religious discrimination or believe your religious freedoms have been taken away, contact KCampbell-Law, PLLC today.
