Los Angeles Religion Discrimination Lawyer
In a bygone era, religious discrimination was not much of an issue. Sunday closings were common, as were religion-infused work environments. Frequently, these policies promoted not only a certain religion, but also a certain religious sect. Today’s society is much more diverse. Yet many employers cling to the old way of doing things.
In contrast, the innovative Los Angeles religious discrimination lawyer at the Obagi Law Group constantly look for new and better ways to stand up for your legal and financial rights. We are proud to be on the cutting edge of employment law. However, we also know that the old ways are sometimes best. Therefore, we only embrace the latest, evidence-based techniques. Our goal is always to help you make the best of a very bad situation.
Essential Requirements
Employment law protections apply to sincere religious beliefs. These beliefs need not be orthodox or widespread. In fact, the religion could have only one adherent. However, it’s much easier to establish sincerity if the religious practice at issue is at least a recognized one.
Furthermore, employees have the right to freely exercise their religious beliefs. That’s especially true among school district and other public employees. Employers have the right to impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. The nature of these restrictions prompts many employment law disputes. Many employers believe that their concerns about their profits trump an individual right to free expression. These employers are wrong, at least in most cases.
Some Examples of Workplace Religious Bias
In terms of religious belief, tolerance is usually the watchword. Employers cannot say or imply anything which impinges on a person’s sincere religious beliefs.
Occasionally, however, tolerance goes too far. Some employers allow religious bullying to take root in their workplaces. Once such bullying becomes hostile, employers usually cannot blame the actors themselves for the damage done. If they knew about the bullying and had an opportunity to stop it, they are usually responsible for the resulting fallout.
Free exercise beliefs usually involve religious garb, like a woman’s hijab, or personal appearance, such as a man’s beard. Employers may impose reasonable restrictions on garb or personal appearances. But these restrictions must be religiously neutral and clearly tied to a compelling health or safety interest. Even then, this interest must outweigh the individual’s right to religious expression. That’s a very high standard.
Your Claim for Damages
Protecting religious minorities has never been a very high political priority for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Some decision makers believe that any governmental sanction of any religious activity violates the First Amendment. So, EEOC bureaucrats reject most of the religious discrimination cases they encounter.
A private Los Angeles religious discrimination lawyer must normally pick up the slack. An attorney advocates for discrimination victims, not religious ideals. Maybe some people have problems drawing the line between these two things. But we are always committed to upholding your legal rights to free belief and free exercise.
Count On an Experienced Los Angeles County Employment Law Attorney
The law guarantees equal opportunity for everyone. For a confidential consultation with an experienced Los Angeles religious discrimination lawyer, contact the Obagi Law Group. P.C. We routinely handle matters throughout SoCal.
