Religious Discrimination Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
When an individual goes to work or applies for a job, they should not be afraid that they will be discriminated against for any reason, including their religion. America was founded on the premise of allowing individuals to practice whatever religion they believe in, so it should come as no surprise that these freedoms are extended in the workplace. If you believe that you have suffered discrimination by an employer because of your religious beliefs, it is important that you take your legal options into consideration. Attorney Barrett of Ben Barrett Law has proudly represented clients for over 30 years in a variety of legal matters and is now solely focused on employment law. To schedule a consultation and discuss your legal rights, contact Ben Barrett Law today.
Understanding Religious Discrimination
Religious discrimination is protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Employees or applicants are not to be treated differently than other employees, harassed, retaliated against, or denied a reasonable accommodation due to their religious beliefs. A reasonable accommodation may include the following:
- Flexible scheduling
- Voluntary shift substitutions
- Lateral transfers
- Exceptions to dress rules, such as religious head coverings or dressing modestly
- Exceptions to grooming rules, such as an uncut beard or long hair
If an employee’s religious beliefs cause the business to suffer undue hardship, this may fall outside the realm of a reasonable accommodation. A few examples of this include anything that is costly to the business, compromises safety within the workplace, decreases efficiency within the workplace, or infringes on the rights of another employee. It is also important to be aware that under Title VII, an employer cannot force an employee to take part in any sort of religious activity in order to be retained as an employee.
Time Limits
Religious discrimination protections are extended to any business that has 15 or more employees. If you wish to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, you are required to do so within 180 days of the incident. It is also important to be aware that if you are a federal employee, you are required to contact an EEO Counselor within 45 days.
Contact Ben Barrett Law
If you believe that you are the victim of religious discrimination in the workplace, whether as a current or prospective employee, it is important that you have strong legal representation on your side. At Ben Barrett Law, we are committed to assisting clients who have been subject to discrimination because of their religious beliefs and can apply over 30 years of experience to your case. We understand how reprehensible religious discrimination is and are here to help you fight for the justice you deserve. For quality legal representation when you need it most, contact Ben Barrett Law today.
