Philadelphia Attorneys Helping Employees Experiencing Religious Discrimination

Federal religious anti-discrimination laws protect the rights of employees of any sincerely held religious belief. Employers can ignore these laws by refusing to acknowledge an employee’s belief or treating them differently. If you are the victim of religious discrimination, Karpf, Karpf & Cerutti, P.C., can help protect your rights. We have helped clients throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

What Exactly Is Religious Discrimination?

Our knowledgeable employment law attorneys will fight for you and hold your employer accountable. There are two basic forms of discrimination that are recognized by law. The first is when the company you work for fails to make a reasonable accommodation. Once you have notified your employer of a legitimate belief that conflicts with a job requirement, they are required to make an effort to accommodate your needs. If they fail to do so, you may have a case.

The second form of discrimination is religious harassment. This means that your co-workers, whether a manager or colleague, cannot harass you in any way. It can range from making jokes about your beliefs to threatening termination. You also cannot be forced to participate in any religious activities that you don’t believe in. Our attorneys will advocate for you and those who need it most.

Answers To Common Questions About Religious Discrimination In The Workplace

Your faith is important to you and it is protected under state and federal laws. It should never be a hindrance to your career. Our attorneys have provided answers to four questions they hear frequently at the firm’s offices.

What qualifies as a “sincerely held” religious belief under the law?

The law protects a broad range of traditional and nontraditional beliefs, even if they are not part of an organized church or a mainstream religion. As long as your belief is truly and deeply held, your employer must treat it with the same legal respect as any other religion. We use our 100 years of combined experience to ensure companies do not unfairly judge or dismiss your personal convictions.

Can my employer deny my request for time off to observe a religious holiday?

Whether an employer can deny your request depends on the specific circumstances. Under federal law, an employer must accommodate your religious holiday unless doing so would result in a substantial burden or increased costs to the business. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, employers are required to engage in an interactive process to find a reasonable accommodation, provided it does not impose an undue hardship – meaning significant difficulty or expense – on the operations of the business.

Am I allowed to wear religious clothing or symbols even if there is a company dress code?

You generally have the right to request an exception to a dress code for religious reasons. Your employer must grant this request unless they can demonstrate that the accommodation would cause an undue hardship, such as a documented safety hazard. Our attorneys advocate for workers who face discipline or harassment simply for following their religious grooming and dress requirements.

What should I do if my boss requires everyone to participate in a daily workplace prayer?

You have the right to opt out, as employers cannot legally force you to participate in any religious activity. Requiring employees to join a prayer or a religious service creates a hostile work environment and violates both state and federal law. If you face pressure or threats for refusing to participate, we can help you build a case to stop this illegal behavior.

Religious Discrimination Is Illegal. Get The Help Your Case Deserves.

Whether your employer is not letting you celebrate a specific holiday, or they allow harassment from other coworkers, you have rights. Trust a firm with over 100 years of combined experience. To discuss your case with our attorneys in Philadelphia or Bensalem, call 609-681-6168. To talk with someone in our Marlton or Astoria office, contact 609-683-4022. You can also email us by clicking here.