What qualifies as religious discrimination?

Religious discrimination at work often feels confusing, especially when it’s subtle. California law lets you practice your beliefs without facing unfair treatment from your employer. Here’s what that means for you.

Recognizing religious discrimination

Religious discrimination happens when an employer treats you unfairly because of your religious beliefs or practices. This includes denying you a promotion, firing you, or giving you negative treatment based solely on your religion. It also includes different treatments because you don’t hold religious beliefs.

Your employer can’t force you to join religious activities or punish you for opting out. They also can’t make offensive remarks about your religion or create a hostile environment by allowing that behavior.

Reasonable accommodations for religious practices

California law says employers must provide reasonable accommodations for your religious practices unless the change causes undue hardship. Your boss needs to adjust your schedule, uniform, or duties when they conflict with your beliefs.

For instance, if you ask for time off during a religious holiday or want to wear specific clothing or head coverings, your employer should try to make that possible. A refusal without a good reason may count as discrimination.

When actions cross the line

Not every workplace disagreement counts as discrimination. But if your employer punishes you, denies benefits, or harasses you because of your religion, that behavior may break the law. You only need to show that the treatment related to your beliefs and harmed your job situation.

Protect your right to believe

You have the right to express your faith at work without unfair treatment. California law shields you from bias based on religion, or having none at all. When your employer crosses that line, the law may define it as religious discrimination.