Jacksonville Religious Discrimination Attorney
Federal and Florida laws prohibit employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of religion. Such laws protect employees from discrimination based upon traditional religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Discrimination on the basis of sincerely held religious, ethical, or moral beliefs can lead to a claim against the employer by the employee. If you are facing a religious discrimination case, speak with the Jacksonville employment attorney from the Law Office of Shands M. Wulbern, P.A.
Experienced Legal Representation for Religion Discrimination
Workplace discrimination based on religion commonly arises when there is a conflict with a religious practice in regard to a job requirement.
For this type of religious discrimination the employee must show that:
1. The employee held a bona fide religious belief, the practice of which conflicted with an employment duty
2. The employee informed the employer of his or her religious belief and a conflict with the particular job duties
3. The employer took adverse action because of the employee's inability to fulfill the job requirement
If all of the above three points are established, the burden shifts to the employer. The employer must show that he or she either attempted to reasonably accommodate the employee's religious belief or that any accommodation of the employee's needs would result in undue hardship to the employer. Such an analysis is typically fact driven and will depend on the specific circumstances at issue.
Types of Religious Discrimination
Examples of religious discrimination include:
- Failure to accommodate certain religious dress requirements
- Refusal to modify work schedules in accordance with prayer / Sabbath observances
- Requiring employee to engage in conduct that is in violation of his / her religious beliefs
- Discrimination against employees who do not share employer's religious beliefs
Employees who are forced to pray, accept a particular religion, or engage in religious-based activities may have grounds for valid religious discrimination claims.
Religious discrimination also prohibits employers from engaging in or refusing to prevent harassment or hostile work environments. Jokes, slurs, comments, and acts of a demeaning or derogatory nature based on an employee's religion are not tolerated under the law. Employees should take steps to ensure that such discriminatory acts cease and are remedied.
At The Law Office of Shands M. Wulbern, P.A., the Jacksonville employment lawyer is experienced in litigating discrimination cases. He can provide critical advice to protect your career and, if necessary, litigate against an employer who has engaged in religious discrimination.
Contact the firm by calling (904) 638-9943 for a case evaluation to discuss what actions are available in your situation.