You can hold your employer accountable for religious discrimination in the workplace in Phoenix, Arizona. Federal and state laws prohibit workplace discrimination based on a worker’s religion. Consulting Houk Employment Attorneys is the first step in protecting your rights and seeking justice.
Americans have the right to practice the religion of their choice by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Employers are prohibited from treating employees or job applicants adversely based on their religious beliefs. Unfortunately, religious discrimination continues to occur in all types of workplaces.
If you believe your rights have been violated, contact our office today at (480) 569-2377 to schedule a confidential consultation with a Phoenix religious discrimination lawyer. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.
Why Choose Houk Employment Attorneys To Help You With a Religious Discrimination Claim in Arizona?
At Houk Employment Attorneys, we help you take action to protect your employment rights in Phoenix, AZ. Here’s why you should hire our experienced legal team:
- Experience: Our employment law attorneys have over 45 years of collective experience in labor and employment law. They are seasoned trial lawyers and negotiators.
- Millions recovered: We have recovered millions of dollars in damages and compensation for our clients.
- Local knowledge: We are trusted by our clients and respected in the legal community. We know local laws and court procedures well.
Contact our firm today to request a consultation with an experienced Phoenix employment attorney.
What Is Religious Discrimination in the Workplace?
Religious discrimination is treating an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of their religious beliefs. It also includes treating an employee or job applicant unfavorably because they are married to or associated with someone who holds a particular religious belief.
Examples of Religious Discrimination in the Workplace
Employers may discriminate based on religion in several ways. Examples of religious discrimination in the workplace include:
- Not hiring someone because of their religion
- Basing job assignments, pay, training, promotions, fringe benefits, and other aspects of employment on an employee’s religion
- Harassing an employee because of their religion, including making offhand comments, teasing, and isolating employees
- Creating a hostile or offensive work environment
- Segregating an employee because of their religious beliefs, such as refusing to allow them to work with customers
- Requiring employees to practice a specific religion or participate in religious activities as a condition of employment
- Refusing to make reasonable accommodations for an employee when it does not create an undue hardship for the employer
Discrimination at work is illegal. You may have one or more legal options depending on your specific circumstances.
Federal and State Laws Prohibiting Religious Discrimination in the Workplace in Phoenix, AZ
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against employees for several protected characteristics, including religious beliefs. An employer cannot take adverse action against an employee based on the employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs. It also requires the employer to make reasonable accommodations for an employee’s religious beliefs.
The Arizona Civil Rights Act also protects employees from religious discrimination in the workplace. It is similar to Title VII and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations. Both laws also protect atheists from being discriminated against in the workplace.
What Damages Are Available in Workplace Religious Discrimination Claims in Phoenix, AZ?
The damages you may receive for a religious discrimination claim depend on the circumstances of your case and the nature of your harm. You may receive compensation for your financial losses. You could also receive compensation for non-financial losses.
The types of damages that could be available in a religious discrimination case include:
- Loss of income, including back pay and earning potential
- Expenses associated with searching for a new job if you left because of discrimination or were wrongfully terminated
- Loss of employment benefits
- Medical expenses and counseling costs
- Loss of future career opportunities
- Anxiety, depression, embarrassment, and emotional distress
- The costs of filing a lawsuit, if permitted by statute
In some situations, an employee may be entitled to reinstatement after being wrongfully terminated. The types of damages and the value of those damages are addressed on a case-by-case basis. An attorney will discuss this in detail with you during a consultation.
What Is the Deadline To File a Claim for Religious Discrimination at Work?
The deadline to file claims for religious discrimination depends on the law that applies in your case. Complaints with the EEOC generally must be filed within 180 days. You may have up to 300 days if state law prohibits employment discrimination for the same reason. Generally, you also have 180 days to file a complaint under Arizona law.
Because time is limited, it is best to contact an employment lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case. You may also have the option of suing your employer in state court. An attorney will explain all options during your initial consultation.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Phoenix Employment Discrimination Lawyers
The Phoenix religious discrimination lawyers at Houk Employment Attorneys can help you if an employer discriminates against you based on your religion. Call us to learn more about asserting your rights and your legal options in Phoenix, Arizona. We are committed to upholding the rights of employees who experience employment discrimination.
