Los Angeles Religion Discrimination Attorney
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.
Employees have the right to freely exercise their religious beliefs. 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’s right to free expression.
What Is Religious Discrimination In The Workplace?
Religious discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee is subjected to an adverse employment action and the substantial motivating reason behind that action was the employee’s religion or religious beliefs.
Examples of Religious Discrimination
Common examples of religious discrimination include:
- Being fired, reprimanded, or experiencing another adverse employment action because of, or for, wearing religious clothing or for religious grooming practices
- Refusing to hire or promote an employee due to their religion
- Denial of benefits due to religious beliefs
- Failure to accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs
Types of Workplace Discrimination
Religion Discrimination
Case Results
$1M Settlement
Employment Law
Employee faced racial and disability discrimination in addition to retaliation after reporting incidents at work
$250k Settlement
Employment Law
For an officer in law enforcement subjected to sexual harassment and failure to prevent harassment
$130k Settlement
Employment Law
Pre-litigation settlement for retaliation against whistleblower of non-profit
$93k Settlement
Employment Law
For an African American employee being disparately assigned harder work than the Hispanic employees in the same department, being subjected to racial slurs, and being unfairly written up after making complaints of racial discrimination and harassment
Settlement
Employment Law
For an employee after she faced cut hours, a written reprimand, and was fired after requesting reimbursement of personal expenses – settlement just months after filing a lawsuit
Settlement
Employment Law
For an employee for failing to provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities and unlawful retaliation – settlement just months after filing a lawsuit
Disclaimer: Illustrative examples of case types and outcomes. Attorneys cannot guarantee outcomes. Results are case-specific and depend on the true facts of the case. More information here.
Religious Discrimination vs. Religious Harassment
Religious discrimination focuses on the disparate treatment an employee endures because of their beliefs, meaning the employee was treated differently and unfairly because of their religion.
An employee may also experience religious harassment if the employee is subjected to hostile, intimidating, offensive, oppressive, or abusive conduct that is severe or pervasive based on the employee’s religious beliefs.
What To Do If You Experience Religious Discrimination at Work
An employee who experiences religious discrimination or harassment at work has the option to file a formal complaint in writing with the employer or HR.
Employees may also file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), or a charge for discrimination with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Employment Law
Los Angeles Employment Lawyer Reviews
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“I had the pleasure of working with Attorney Hee and his team on an employment matter, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience. From the very beginning, Hee demonstrated a deep understanding of employment law and provided clear, strategic guidance tailored to my situation.
Throughout the process, Hee and his team were not only professional and knowledgeable but also approachable and genuinely invested in my case. Their responsiveness and attention to detail gave me confidence and peace of mind during what could have been a stressful time.
I highly recommend Attorney Hee to anyone in need of legal assistance. If my friends or family ever require legal support, I wouldn’t hesitate to refer them to Hee and his team. Their expertise, dedication, and client-focused approach truly set them apart.”
T. A. (Employment)
“I recently worked with Hee Kim to review an employment contract as I wanted a set of expert eyes on it. Hee was able to explain everything I had concerns about and was helpful in providing me comfort that I would receive what I expected. I would recommend working with him to anyone that needs an employment law professional.”
R. S. (Employment)
“Litigation, P.C. Law Firm represented me and they did a great job. Hee Kim did an awesome job making me feel cared for and he really listened to me. There were some mishaps on my end but they gave me all the tools I needed to find and present all my information needed for my case.
I had a great outcome and I was never judged by the firm which made me feel very comfortable. Mr. Kim was very friendly and made me feel right at home and taken care of.
I never had to the office and meet them and did everything online through Zoom and messaging when it was convenient for me.
I really recommend working with Hee Kim because he fought hard for me and after the case was closed I feel the best decisions were done and I believe having a piece of mind is the best thing for any client wanting to reach a just decision in their case.”
A. G. (Employment)
“This was the best email I sent when I was distressed and in need of legal services. The team at Litigation, P.C. Law Firm is the most professional, caring, honest, and tenacious group of people I have ever met in the world of law. Their expertise and advice was exactly what I needed when determining how I wanted to move forward with my case. They were able to settle my case in a timely manner for a fair amount. The process isn’t straight forward for everyone, and they were able to clearly communicate every step of the way, which left me feeling very supported, confident, and put me at ease. Once my case was settled, the payment was very swift. I would absolutely use their services again should I ever be in need. Thank you to the entire team.”
M. L. (Employment)
Los Angeles Religion Discrimination Lawyer FAQs
What religious accommodations are employers required to provide in California?
Employers are required to reasonably accommodate the religious beliefs, observances, and practices of employees unless it would impose an undue hardship on the conduct of the employer’s business.
The determination of the reasonable accommodations should be made through the interactive process. Employees have a right to ask for reasonable accommodations to initiate the interactive process.
I’m still being discriminated against or harassed after complaining
Employers have an obligation to prevent religious discrimination or harassment by taking all reasonable steps necessary. This may include implementing policies or training and enforcing those policies.
How long do I have to file a religious discrimination claim?
The time limit varies depending on the employer and claims. It can be as short as six months for public entity employers, or 180 days to file a charge with the EEOC for claims under federal law. A complaint with the CRD in California must be filed within three years and prior to filing a lawsuit.
Can I be fired for requesting religious accommodation?
No. This type of conduct is considered retaliation, and it is illegal for an employer to terminate an employee for requesting reasonable accommodations.