QUESTION
Can my Employer force his employees to participate in prayer, Bible devotions and church services?
Asked on Aug 18th, 2012 on Labor and Employment - Florida
More details to this question:
My current employer begins each day by mandatory Bible devotions and prayer. Every employee is required to attend, participate and share in reading aloud from devotional materials. We are also required to attend church activities on our free time with the threat of being fired if we don''t. We also have to work 8 hour days with no breaks and must eat our lunch while we work. Is this legal and if not what can I do? Thank you for your response.
1 ANSWER
Labor and Employment Attorney serving Atlanta, GA
2 Awards
Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act it is unlawful for a covered employer (i.e., one who employs 15 or more employees) to discriminate against an employee on the basis of religion. Unless the employer is a religious institution, the employer's action in forcing you to engage in religious activities would be unlawful. You can refuse to do so. If the employer fires you you can file discrimination charges with the EEOC.
Michael Caldwell
404-979-3150
Answered on Aug 21st, 2012 at 5:32 PM