Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on an employee’s religion.

There is, however, a “ministerial” exception to these laws which allows a church or other religious organization to discriminate based on an employee’s religion. For example, a Catholic church can refuse to hire a Lutheran minister based on religion. However, it probably cannot refuse to hire a Lutheran janitor based on religion.

To prove a case for religious discrimination, you essentially must prove that your employer discriminated against you in the terms, conditions, or privileges of your employment because of your religion.

In California, most religious institutions are exempt from the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, so most employees of such establishments must rely on federal law for protection against discrimination.

If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your religion, we invite you to contact us today for a free consultation to discuss this and any other employment law questions you might have.