West Palm Beach Religious Discrimination Attorney
Standing Up to Employers in Violation of the First Amendment
Religious freedom is a fundamental human right in the U.S. The first amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees all Americans rights concerning their religion, along with the freedom of speech and the press. Unfortunately, Americans are regularly discriminated against due to their religious beliefs, especially if their beliefs don’t conform to the majority of that of the people who live around them. However, any religion—despite its local or national acceptance—can be discriminated against in the workplace.
If an employer has treated you unfairly or refused to accommodate your religious beliefs, they have broken the law. Sconzo Law Office, P.A. is a West Palm Beach law firm that can help you take the appropriate legal action. Our West Palm Beach religious discrimination attorneys will do whatever it takes to hold your employer accountable and ensure they never discriminate against their employees regarding religion ever again.
Which Laws Support Religious Freedom in Florida & the U.S.?
There are a number of state, federal, and local laws that protect Floridians from religions discrimination in the workplace. Religious freedom is included in the text of the Constitution. The First Amendment encompasses the right of all Americans to practice their religion freely as well as the right of all Americans to express their religious beliefs. Therefore, religious freedom is a fundamental right.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Under federal law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants or employees because of their religion or sincerely held religious beliefs. The Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA) does the same thing on the state level. Both laws apply to employers with 15 or more employees.
These extend to all aspects of employment for employees and applicants, including:
- Job assignments
- Discipline
- Hiring
- Firing
- Pay
- Promotions
- And training
Your Rights in the Workplace
Religious discrimination occurs in the workplace when an employer treats their job applicants or employees differently or less favorably due to their religion or sincerely held religious or spiritual beliefs. “Sincerely held religious beliefs” means that the law also protects applicants and employees who have sincerely held beliefs toward spirituality, ethics, and morality, but are not affiliated with a particular organized group such as Christianity or Islam.
Employers cannot participate in or allow others to engage in the following solely because of your religion:
- Refuse to hire you
- Terminate you
- Deny you a promotion
- Deny you benefits, training, continued education, learning opportunities, certifications, etc.
- Exclude you from company outings, conferences, seminars, parties, etc.
- Make demeaning comments, remarks, insults, or gestures directed at or about you
- Refuse you reasonable accommodations
If you have experienced any of the above and believe you were targeted because of your religion, please do not hesitate to reach out to a dedicated religions discrimination attorney near you.
How We Can Help
Violating one’s religious freedom is one of the most egregious things an employer can do. If you have been discriminated against because of your faith or practices, the law is on your side. Though stereotypes and discrimination can be rampant in the American workplace, our legal team possess the experience and skills necessary to fight back. Regardless of the size of your employer or the complexity of your claim, we will do everything in our power to fight for you.
