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Writer's pictureJoseph Radzwion IV

Overview of Religious Accommodation Rights.

Updated: Dec 20, 2021

The employer has a policy the employees do not agree with. What rights under the law do the employees have? This article briefly outlines employee rights.


Overview of Rights:

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution, as well as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits workplace discrimination based on religion. These laws protect the God-given individual rights of Americans from prevalent and subtle discrimination by government and private entities. Title VII imposes a duty on an employer to accommodate an employee or prospective employee’s religious practices with some exceptions.


An accommodation is appropriate under Title VII when an employee informs their employer that the employee has a sincerely held religious belief that precludes them from complying with the employer’s policy. For an employer to question an employee’s assertion, the employer must have an objective basis for doubting either (1) the religious nature or (2) the sincerity of the stated religious belief. In such circumstances employers can make a limited factual inquiry to verify the legitimacy of the accommodation request. This inquiry is limited to asking what the employee believes, why they believe it, and how it affects their life decisions.

What an employer cannot question is the validity of the asserted religious belief, nor the interpretation of cited religious scriptures or documents. The employer cannot question why the employee objects to the employer's policies (mandates) when other members of the employee's church or religious organization have no objection. Why an employee should consider seeking legal counsel: In our experience, employers of all sizes will attempt to obtain additional information that they have no justification to obtain with regards to an employee's beliefs, background and even medical conditions. In other words, employers will over reach in making it seem like the employee must provide them with everything the employer asks the employee.

An attorney will be able to advise an employee on what information does not need to be disclosed to the employer and protect the employee's rights. An attorney may also be able to communicate with the employer and tell them they are not entitled to obtain the private information they are requesting.

Why is that important? Oftentimes, the employer will use information provided by the employee to deny an accommodation request.


YOUR Trusted Attorney:


If you would like to retain Radzwion Law, PLLC as YOUR Trusted Attorney, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to protect you when you need it most and we will fight for your freedom.





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(REMEMBER: this article should not be taken as legal advice and you should always consult with a Trusted Attorney.)









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2 comentarios


loisjohnson
26 nov 2021

Some employers must not be following the law. I had a religious exempted rejected twice (one original and one on appeal). It was claimed that my objection was a philosophical and moral objection to the COVID-19 vaccine and not due to a religious belief. I never used to word "philosophical." I applied for a religious objection based on the use of fetal cells in the development of the vaccine. Employers just seem to do what they want.

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Giovanni Espada
Giovanni Espada
13 dic 2021
Contestando a

Nyc dot eeo officer even asked me why I feel different from what my religious leaders say if they are ok with it and In this article it says They can’t ask me that… interesting.

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