New York Employment Lawyers Fighting for Victims of Religious Discrimination in the Workplace 

We help you pursue justice for discriminatory mistreatment by employers

Our country was founded on the principles that each citizen has the right to certain freedoms, including the right to choose his or her own religion. With that in mind, you might not expect religious discrimination to be common in the workplace. Unfortunately, religious discrimination is far too common among American workplaces, and impacts countless victims in New York.

At Hepworth, Gershbaum & Roth, we fight for victims of religious discrimination in the workplace. Our New York employment law attorneys have the skill and experience needed to help victims seek justice for discriminatory treatment of all kinds.  

Religious discrimination takes many forms in the modern workplace

Any decision made by an employer based on an employee’s religious beliefs violates state and federal law. However, the most common types of religious discrimination in the workplace include:

• Denial of employment: Sifting through candidates for any open position requires the consideration of many factors, including qualifications and experience. While these factors are important and perfectly legal to consider, an applicant’s religious viewpoint is not. Employers who filter out candidates or refuse to hire candidates based solely on their religious beliefs violate state and federal laws.

• Termination based solely on religion: The termination of an individual’s employment based solely on their religious views is against the law. Any employer who conducts such an unlawful termination may be liable for damages sustained by the victim.

• Allowing harassment: Religious harassment takes many forms in the workplace. From name calling to ridicule of beliefs, harassment leaves the victim in an uncomfortable and harmful situation. Any employer who knowingly allows religious harassment among coworkers is guilty of breaking the law. Once informed of religious-based harassment, the employer must take steps to mitigate the situation and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

• Denial of promotion: In order to comply with employment laws, employers must maintain fair and equitable advancement practices. Victims who are passed over for promotion solely because of their religious beliefs may have legal recourse.

It also illegal for an employer to offer reduced wages or benefits to an employee because of their religion.

Employers must make reasonable accommodations for religious employees

Under the Civil rights Act, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for an employee’s religious beliefs or practices. Reasonable accommodations include providing space for prayer, eliminating offensive materials and allowing for shift flexibility for religious holidays. Position reassignment or modification may also be viewed as a reasonable accommodation.

Employers who refuse to offer these accommodations or deny employment based on these potential accommodations, are potentially liable for damages. It is important to note, however, that the definition of reasonable accommodations varies in the context of religious practice in the workplace.

What religions are protected?

The Civil Rights act provides protection against discrimination in the workplace for people of all faiths and belief structures. Whether you belong to a traditional religion such as Christianity, Hindu, Judaism, Buddhism or Islam, or a non-traditional religion with deeply held beliefs, you are protected from discrimination.

You have the right to take legal action

As a victim of religious discrimination in the workplace, you have the right to file charges against your employer. By filing a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, you can initiate a review of your case and pursue monetary compensation, reinstatement or court-ordered policy changes designed to end the discrimination.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options with our New York employment lawyers

When you have been discriminated against because of your religious beliefs, it can be difficult to understand your legal options, and who to turn to for help. At Hepworth, Gershbaum & Roth, our New York employment law attorneys provide the supportive and informative guidance you need to cut through the confusion and create a strategy for pursuing justice.

Contact us online or call 212-545-1199 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options with one of our experienced New York employment lawyers.