The right to freely practice one’s religion is protected by the United States Constitution and even applies in the workplace. Employers cannot terminate, discriminate against, or otherwise mistreat a worker based on their religious affiliation or perceived religious affiliation and must make reasonable accommodations that allow employees to follow the tenants of their faith.
Unfortunately, religious discrimination happens in many St. Louis workplaces. If you lost a job, faced harassment at work, or have otherwise been retaliated against because of your faith, reach out to a St. Louis religion discrimination lawyer at our firm. One of our skilled workplace discrimination attorneys could help you better comprehend your rights under the law and pursue an appropriate remedy.
Discriminating against a worker because of their faith or perceived religion is illegal in St. Louis and throughout the state. Missouri Revisor of Statutes Title 12 §213.055 makes it illegal for any employer to discriminate against an employee or candidate for employment because of their religious affiliation. Specifically, prohibited employment actions on the basis of someone’s faith include:
Missouri’s Department of Labor & Industrial Relations has the authority to investigate and punish reported violations of workers’ rights. Aggrieved workers may file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights to initiate an investigation into the incident and receive a Notice of Right to Sue, which grants them the right to demand direct compensation from employers. A St. Louis attorney could help a worker who has faced religious discrimination file these complaints and seek available legal remedies in civil court.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires employers to refrain from against workers on the basis of their religion as well as provide reasonable accommodations for their religious beliefs. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has broad powers to investigate violations of federal anti-discrimination laws.
After a worker files a formal complaint of religious discrimination, the EEOC will issue them a Notice of Right to Sue. The difference between the EEOC’s Notice of Right to Sue and the Missouri Commission on Human Rights’ is that the former allows the filer to take their case to federal court. A St. Louis lawyer could provide more insight into federal anti-discrimination laws and determine the right to course of action to take after one or more incidents of religious discrimination at work.
A combination of state and federal labor laws prohibits discrimination based on a worker’s religion or perceived religious affiliation. This discrimination can include a variety of behaviors that include termination, a refusal to hire, transfer, demotion, and harassment.
When these incidents occur, you have the right to pursue justice by filing a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or both. Filing a formal complaint of discrimination grants you the right to seek a private remedy in civil court.
If you believe that a violation of state or federal law has affected your ability to practice your religion while pursuing your career, a St. Louis religion discrimination lawyer may be able to help. Give us a call today to let our team get to work for you.
