Religious Discrimination

Under New Jersey law, you are protected from discrimination based on your religious beliefs. This means you cannot be harassed or treated differently in places open to the general public, such as restaurants or hotels, or in relation to housing or employment opportunities.

In the workplace, your religious affiliations or lack thereof should have no bearing on your right to be considered for any job, training program or apprenticeship; nor can you be terminated or treated differently when it comes to the conditions of your employment because of your beliefs.

It is illegal for an employment application to ask your faith, what your worship practices are, or whether or not you are affiliated with a church, mosque, synagogue, or temple. The law also protects employees from harassment while on the job because of religious beliefs or for any attire or custom that is required by religion.

The law also requires that employers accommodate the religious practices of their employees, within reason, provided that such accommodations do not impose undue hardship on the employer. For instance, employers must try to satisfy requests for time off for religious purposes (i.e., holidays, practices), provided the work can be done by other employees who volunteer to switch shifts. Employers also may be obligated to modify their dress codes to accommodate certain religious practices.

Religious discrimination includes imposing religious practices on employees who do not share the specific beliefs. For example, an employer that is involved in charity work cannot force an employee to make donations to that charity if the charity conflicts with the employee’s religious beliefs.

There are exceptions under the law for religious organizations and associations that employ others. In these cases, religious affiliation can be a job requirement.

Because religious discrimination in the workplace is against the law, it may be necessary for you to utilize the services of an experienced attorney. If you believe you are the victim of religious discrimination, contact Kearns Rotolo Law attorneys to receive advice. Protect your rights. Call Kearns Rotolo Law today.