If you are suffering religious discrimination in your Houston workplace, you will be glad to know that there are state and federal laws to protect you. Chapter 21 of the Texas labor code and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibit discrimination on religious grounds in the workplace. However, you may be shocked to find it does not apply to all employers. If you work for a private firm, with no more than 14 employees, it does not apply.
One employer who definitely has more than 14 employees is McDonald’s. In a lawsuit supported by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an ex-employee claims she was subjected to religious harassment because of her Muslim faith.
Her case highlights some of the forms that religious discrimination can take:
- Comments about religious dress
- Failing to accommodate prayer breaks
- Mocking comments about religious beliefs and customs
It also highlights that managers, colleagues or visitors can all carry out harassment. Employers must provide a safe workplace free of harassment or discrimination by anyone.
Muslims are more at risk than most to harassment religions. The hijab head covering many Muslim women choose to wear makes it clear what religion they follow. By contrast, if you saw Billy Graham walking along the street, there would be nothing to tell you he was an evangelist if you did not know who he was. There is also a significant anti-muslim sentiment amongst some sections of the community, which increases the likelihood of harassment.
If you have been discriminated against or harassed at work because of your religious beliefs, seek the help of an experienced Houston employment law attorney to understand your legal options.