- California State-Level Protections
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits religious discrimination and requires employers with five or more employees to reasonably accommodate religious dress and grooming practices, prayer breaks, and time off for observance. California law also protects against retaliation for requesting accommodations or reporting discrimination.
- New York State-Level Protections
New York State’s and New York City’s Human Rights Laws prohibit religious discrimination and place affirmative obligations on employers to cooperate with employees requesting religious accommodations. NYC’s laws are particularly expansive, requiring employers to accommodate practices such as head coverings, dietary needs, and flexible scheduling for religious observance.
- Pennsylvania State-Level Protections
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) prohibits religious discrimination by employers with four or more employees. Cities like Philadelphia also have local laws that expand religious protections, including prohibitions on discrimination based on religious attire, grooming, or expression in private and public sector workplaces.
What Counts as a Reasonable Religious Accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is any adjustment to the work environment that allows an employee to practice their religion without interfering with their ability to do the job.
Common accommodations include:
- Flexible scheduling for prayer or religious holidays.
- Exceptions to dress code or grooming policies include wearing hijabs, turbans, yarmulkes, or beards.
- Modified job duties that avoid conflicts with religious beliefs.
- Voluntary shift swaps to avoid Sabbath or worship times.
Employers are required to grant such accommodations unless doing so would cause an “undue hardship”—such as significant financial cost or safety risk. However, many employers overstate what qualifies as a hardship or fail to consider creative solutions.
At Omni Law, we hold employers to the legal standard, not their convenience, and challenge denials that violate the law.
Religious Harassment and Hostile Work Environments
Religious harassment can take many forms. Inappropriate jokes, slurs, repeated questioning, or pressure to abandon one’s beliefs can create a hostile work environment. Even if the harassment doesn’t come from a manager, such as when coworkers create a toxic atmosphere, employers are still responsible if they knew or should have known and failed to intervene.
If your employer allowed or contributed to a culture of religious intolerance, you may be entitled to legal remedies.
How Omni Law Helps Victims of Religious Discrimination
We understand that religious discrimination cases concern more than employment—they concern respect, dignity, and deeply held identity. Our attorneys offer compassionate, strategic representation to help clients reclaim their rights and restore their peace of mind.
We help employees:
- Document religious discrimination or harassment.
- File administrative complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or state agencies.
- Demand accommodations through legal channels.
- Pursue settlements or take claims to court when necessary.
- Seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and retaliation.
Whether you’re a long-time employee suddenly denied accommodation or a job applicant rejected for wearing religious attire, Omni Law can help you navigate your options and take decisive legal action.
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Contact Omni Law for Religious Discrimination Representation
If your employer has denied your right to practice your religion, failed to accommodate your beliefs, or allowed religious harassment to go unchecked, you don’t have to stay silent. Omni Law, PC, protects your rights and holds employers accountable under federal and state law.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation with an experienced religious discrimination attorney in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, or New York City. We’re here to stand with you—and for your right to believe, observe, and work without fear of discrimination.
