Religious Discrimination and Accommodation in California Workplaces

California law provides strong protections against religious discrimination and requires employers to reasonably accommodate employees’ religious beliefs and practices. At Gruzen Moussly Law, our experienced Religious Discrimination Lawyer team help employees assert their rights to practice their faith while maintaining their careers, free from discrimination or harassment.

FEHA: Strong Protections Against Religious Discrimination

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination based on religious creed, including traditional organized religions and sincerely held religious, ethical, or moral beliefs. This protection extends to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, work assignments, and termination.

Employer Responsibilities for Religious Accommodations

Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs and practices unless doing so would cause undue hardship. Common accommodations include schedule changes for religious observances, exceptions to dress codes or grooming policies, and allowing prayer breaks during the workday. The standard for showing undue hardship under California law is stricter than federal law, providing broader protection for employees.

Subtle Forms of Religious Discrimination

Religious harassment is also prohibited, whether from supervisors, coworkers, or others in the workplace. This includes hostile comments about religious beliefs, pressure to participate in or abstain from religious activities, or creating a hostile work environment based on religion. Employers must take prompt action to address religious harassment when reported.

Unfortunately, many employees face subtle forms of religious discrimination, such as being excluded from opportunities after requesting religious accommodations or facing stereotypes about their faith. Others may experience pressure to hide their religious beliefs or practices to avoid workplace bias.

Contact Gruzen Moussly Law to Get Help With Religious Discrimination and Accommodation Cases

At Gruzen Moussly Law, our experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights to religious accommodation and protection from discrimination. Contact us today to learn how we can help you assert your right to practice your faith while maintaining your career.