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Religion in the Workplace: Know Your Rights and Legal Protections in Texas

Religion is a deeply personal part of our identity, but in the workplace, it can also become a source of conflict, misunderstanding, or even discrimination. Whether you’re an employee seeking to express your faith or an employer wondering how to accommodate religious beliefs, it’s critical to understand how federal and Texas law applies to religion in the workplace.

At The Lange Firm, we’ve seen how religious conflicts at work can lead to wrongful terminations, harassment, or missed promotions. This blog offers a detailed guide to your rights and responsibilities when it comes to practicing religion at work, what legal protections exist, and when to contact an employment attorney.

Table of Contents

• Is Religion Protected in the Workplace?

• What Qualifies as a Religion Under the Law?

• Examples of Religious Discrimination at Work

• Employer Responsibilities Under Federal and Texas Law

• What Is a Reasonable Accommodation for Religion?

• When Can an Employer Deny Religious Accommodation?

• Harassment and Hostile Work Environment Based on Religion

• Filing a Religious Discrimination Complaint

• How The Lange Firm Can Help

• Related Blogs for Further Reading

• Final Thoughts

Is Religion Protected in the Workplace?

Yes. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal for employers to discriminate based on religion. This includes:

• Hiring and firing decisions

• Promotions and job assignments

• Compensation and benefits

• Workplace policies

• Harassment

In Texas, the Texas Labor Code provides similar protections.

The Lange Firm frequently represents workers whose religious freedoms have been ignored or trampled upon by employers large and small.

What Qualifies as a Religion Under the Law?

The law protects sincerely held religious beliefs, whether mainstream or unconventional. This includes:

• Traditional religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.)

• Smaller faith groups or indigenous practices

• Moral or ethical beliefs held with religious conviction

Courts avoid judging the truth or logic of a person’s religion—as long as it’s sincerely held, it’s protected.

Examples of Religious Discrimination at Work

Common examples include:

• Denying a job applicant because of a hijab, yarmulke, or turban

• Refusing to accommodate Sabbath observance

• Firing someone for requesting prayer breaks

• Prohibiting religious jewelry while allowing other symbols

• Mocking religious practices or beliefs in the workplace

• Retaliating after a request for accommodation

At The Lange Firm, we’ve helped Texas employees file successful claims after facing these and other religious biases.

Employer Responsibilities Under Federal and Texas Law

Employers with 15 or more employees must:

• Refrain from making employment decisions based on religion

• Provide reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs and practices

• Prevent and address religious harassment

• Maintain a workplace free from religious discrimination

Employers must be proactive in training managers and addressing complaints seriously.

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation for Religion?

A reasonable accommodation is a change in work policy or practice that allows an employee to practice their religion without hardship. Examples include:

• Flexible scheduling for religious observance

• Allowing religious dress or grooming (e.g., beards, headscarves)

• Designating a private space for prayer

• Permitting religious holidays off or swapping shifts

• Excusing employees from mandatory meetings that conflict with beliefs

Employees must formally request accommodation, and employers are required to engage in a dialogue to find a solution.

When Can an Employer Deny Religious Accommodation?

Employers can only deny accommodation if it would cause undue hardship. Under the recent Groff v. DeJoy Supreme Court ruling (2023), “undue hardship” must be more than minimal and should significantly impact business operations.

For example:

• Causing safety concerns

• Forcing other employees to consistently work undesirable shifts

• Significantly increasing operational costs

However, most accommodations—like prayer time or head coverings—do not create undue hardship.

Harassment and Hostile Work Environment Based on Religion

Religious harassment is illegal when it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or results in adverse employment actions.

Examples include:

• Insults, slurs, or jokes about your faith

• Pressure to participate in religious activities

• Denial of promotions due to religious expression

• Mockery of dietary restrictions or prayer routines

The Lange Firm urges clients to document incidents and contact legal counsel as soon as harassment becomes pervasive or severe.

Filing a Religious Discrimination Complaint

If you’ve faced religious discrimination:

1. Document everything – conversations, emails, incidents

2. Report the issue to HR or management

3. File a complaint with the EEOC (within 180–300 days) or the Texas Workforce Commission

4. Consult an employment lawyer to assess your claim

The Lange Firm can guide you through this process, from documentation to final resolution.

How The Lange Firm Can Help

At The Lange Firm, we provide compassionate and powerful representation for employees across Texas who’ve been:

• Harassed due to religious beliefs

• Denied reasonable accommodations

• Retaliated against for speaking up

• Fired or demoted for practicing faith

We fight for reinstatement, back pay, emotional distress damages, and policy changes—ensuring your religious rights are respected.

Final Thoughts

Religion has a rightful place in the workplace—but only if protected and respected.

If you believe your employer has violated your rights to religious freedom, The Lange Firm is here to help. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight for justice if your beliefs have cost you your job, opportunities, or peace of mind.

📞 Contact The Lange Firm today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and career.