I am sorry to hear that you were fired because of your religion. Treating someone differently in the workplace because of his or her religion is illegal under both federal and state law. Under federal law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes religious discrimination illegal in the workplace. Under California law, the Fair Employment and Housing Act makes workplace religious discrimination illegal.
The laws also require employers to reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs. This could include changing schedules for religious events. However, an employer does not have to completely alter the business in order to accommodate an employee. The law only requires that the employer reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious practices. An employer isn’t required to accommodate any requests that would cause more than a minimal burden on the employer’s business. If an employee is vital to a business and the breaks that he or she needs off for religious holidays cannot be worked around, the employer is not required to allow the time off. However, if a simple schedule change can be accommodated, the employer is required to do so. Employees who are discriminated against at work because of their religion practices have a short period of time in which to make a complaint with state and federal officials. Also, there is a limited time in which to file a lawsuit over religious discrimination. If you believe you were discriminated against on the basis of religion, you should call an employment attorney as soon as possible. If you’re in Los Angeles, call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles employment discrimination attorney at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.