Religious Discrimination Lawyer
Congress passed laws to protect Americans’ rights at a national level with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. A section known as Title VII of the act bans discrimination in employment practices based on “race, color, religion, sex or national origin.” Employment practices refer to hiring, firing, promotion, payment and more.
Many states also have laws protecting religious beliefs from discrimination and harassment at work. Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination law is the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, or PHRA, first passed in 1955.
These laws look at religion broadly to include highly organized, traditional faiths and less-practiced, new and informal ones. The regulations apply to actions and words from supervisors, co-workers and customers.
Which Employers Must Follow Title VII and the PHRA?
Title VII generally applies to employers of fifteen or more employees, while the PHRA covers Pennsylvania employers with four employees or more.
Under both laws, the term employer also refers to labor organizations and employment agencies.
The deadlines for filing these complaints are relatively short, so it’s important not to delay taking action if you believe you have been discriminated against.
When Should I Contact a Religious Discrimination Attorney?
You should contact a skilled employment law attorney if you believe you have a religious discrimination or harassment case for reasons including, but not limited to:
- A hostile environment: Good-natured teasing may not break the law, but insulting behavior about your beliefs can.
- Lack of reasonable accommodation: The law expects employers to make adjustments to allow you to attend religious services and wear clothing required by your faith. Employers should also reassign tasks that go against your beliefs or change schedules if it doesn’t interfere too much with business operations.
- Retaliation: Unfairly punishing an employee for standing up for their religious beliefs is a violation of the law.
Why Work With a Religious Discrimination Lawyer?
Filing a complaint with a government agency is only the first step in a discrimination case — subsequent actions can be challenging without a thorough understanding of the law. Getting legal advice from experienced religious discrimination lawyers, like those at Weisberg Cummings, offers many advantages, including:
- Case-building skills: Veteran attorneys use their previous experience to build a solid case for your discrimination claim. They also know the steps of a complaint investigation, how to move forward on time and how to question potential witnesses.
- Necessary confidence: Employers fight discrimination cases, and your Weisberg Cummings attorney will boldly defend your rights.
- Communication on your behalf: Experienced lawyers have the skills to handle communications between you and the employer, reducing your stress and preventing misunderstandings.
- Negotiation skills: An employment law professional helps you decide whether a proposed settlement is fair or if you can negotiate for more compensation to avoid costly litigation.
Contact Weisberg Cummings for Religious Discrimination in Harrisburg, PA
Weisberg Cummings specializes in employment law, so we’re uniquely qualified to handle your discrimination claim. Our compassionate attorneys fight for your religious observation rights, drawing on more than 40 years of experience to provide practical advice and personal representation. We start by listening, and we want to hear your story. Schedule your free, confidential consultation today by contacting us online or calling 855-716-2367 for service.
