Law

Can Your Employer Question Your Religious Belief?

It is the 21st century, and a person is free to practice any religion of their choice. Each of us is free to have our own faiths, no matter how different they may be from the norm. The US government has given each citizen the right to become a Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jew, or atheist if they want, and no citizen can question their beliefs. 

It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee only based on their religion or belief system. They cannot discriminate against them because they dislike the religion or because they are not from the same religion. If you are wondering about your rights regarding practicing your religion in the workplace, consult with an employment discrimination lawyer in Austin

Does the employer have to provide religion-related accommodation in the workplace?

Normally, an employee is not allowed to ask you about your religion or beliefs. However, they might be within their rights to ask you which religion you practice if you had asked them for certain religion-related accommodations. Your employer may want to get to know some details regarding your requirements so they can provide things accordingly. 

Employees are entitled to receive religious accommodation in the workplace. However, if your requirements are costly or put your employer through hardship, they may be able to refuse your requests with no legal consequences. If your requests are simple, your employer is required to make changes in your work timings, duties, or workspace accordingly. 

For example, if you pray at a certain time during the day, your employer should allow you to leave your work for a few minutes so you can go pray. 

What rights do I have if my employer discriminates against me because of my religion?

If the boss is discriminating against you because of what religion you practice, you should find a good time and place to speak with them about it. Tell them that you are uncomfortable with their behavior and would like changes. Explain to them why your religious beliefs are so important to you and what you would like to change.

If this conversation does not prove effective, you may have to meet up with the human resources department. However, we suggest that you do not meet with them alone but take an attorney along with you. Usually, the HR department should be enough to solve an issue like this one, but in many cases, they are not. 

If your employer, the company you work in, and the HR department fail to fix the situation, you can always count on an employment attorney.