Religion has always been a sensitive matter to discuss, especially if you hold a different belief. Religious discrimination is a common term as it’s seen practiced by people in our communities or societies. But no one will tolerate discriminatory acts against their religion, especially when it’s legally a punishable act.
The Equality Act and Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit any sort of discrimination against anyone, including religious discrimination, or discrimination against someone’s race, ethnicity, origin, and color.
Intentional or unintentional, if you are seen practicing religious discrimination, you might face some legal pitfalls. Here are some ways to help you avoid religious discrimination against anyone and stay compliant with federal and state laws:
1. Assigning tasks based on presumed preferences
Assigning an employee because of a customer’s discriminatory preferences or assigning them to teams because of their colleague’s preferences is considered an unlawful act. For instance, if a customer raised concerns about an employee’s religious beliefs. The law prohibits the replacement of the employee, as it would be considered a discriminatory act against the employee’s religion by both employer and the customer.
2. Getting into the reasons for religious practices
Every religion or belief that employees may follow might involve some sort of religious practice that they might be required to do from time to time. Or they might be required to dress a certain way, for example, wearing a headscarf.
It is considered a discriminatory practice if employers directly ask the employees about their practices of belief and their significance. However, when hiring new employees, for organizations or companies with certain dress codes or policies, interviewers musk potential candidates if they can comply.
3. Clear misconceptions about people with no religious label
It is a misconception that people without any religious beliefs, who may carry philosophical beliefs are not protected by the laws against discrimination.
Discrimination is considered unlawful for every equality and punishable if practiced. Employers must make sure to avoid any sort of discriminatory acts against a certain religious group.
4. Encouraging debates and passing comments
All heated conversations start somewhere. Make sure you do not encourage such debates or discussions where the circumstances might be unavoidable. Religious discrimination might not only be by the act, but also by words.
As the laws do not allow such discriminatory acts, so do the policies of the organization. Remember to remind yourself and your employees of such policies and prohibit passing harmful comments that could hurt someone’s sentiments.
Final Words
Discrimination is always a choice and can easily be avoided. It’s up to the people and their understanding to not discriminate. Not only because it’s an unlawful act but simply because it’s not the right thing to do.
Keep in mind the mentioned points above to remind yourself not to practice them, and keep yourself from falling into the legal consequences if you fail to do so.
