If your employer treats you worse because of your religion, or won't make room for your religious practices, a religious discrimination lawyer can explain your rights. This page covers federal law and sits inside our employment discrimination practice area. Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers represents employees in Los Angeles and across California, and your first consultation is free.
What is religious discrimination?
Religious discrimination means being treated worse at work because of your religious beliefs, practices, or observances. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act bans it at employers with 15 or more employees.
The law protects more than the largest faiths. It covers small denominations. It covers sincere beliefs that aren't part of any organized religion. It also protects people with no belief at all, such as atheists. Religious dress and grooming count too. That includes head coverings, jewelry, and beards.
Two kinds of religious discrimination
Most cases fall into one of two types.
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Disparate treatment is on purpose. Your employer won't hire you, fires you, or passes you over because of your faith. Moving you to a back office because customers feel uneasy about your head covering is one example.
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Disparate impact comes from a neutral rule that hurts a religious group. A blanket "no head coverings" rule can shut out Muslim women who wear hijab, Jewish men who wear kippot, and Sikh men who wear turbans.
Discrimination based on your perceived religion, or on your link to someone of a certain faith, is also illegal.
Religious accommodations at work
Title VII requires your employer to make reasonable religious accommodations. Common requests include:
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A schedule change or shift swap for a Sabbath or holy day.
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Short breaks for daily prayer.
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An exception to a dress code for religious clothing or grooming.
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Time off for a religious holiday.
In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Groff v. DeJoy. An employer can refuse only if the request would put a substantial burden on the business. A small cost, a minor scheduling problem, or a coworker's complaint isn't enough.
The EEOC announced one example in December 2025. Mavis Tire paid $303,758 after it refused a Jewish applicant's request for Friday evenings and Saturdays off. See how discrimination settlements are valued for more.
Religious discrimination versus religious harassment
Discrimination is an action that hurts your job, like a firing, a demotion, or a denied accommodation. Harassment is conduct that makes the workplace hostile. That includes mocking your beliefs, repeated offensive jokes, threats, or anti-religious images.
Harassment must be severe or pervasive. A pattern can qualify. So can one very serious incident. Your employer is liable if it knew and didn't stop it.
Are there exceptions?
Yes, but they're narrow. A religious organization may prefer to hire people of its own faith for jobs tied to its religious mission. That exception doesn't let it discriminate because of your race, sex, disability, or another protected trait. A for-profit business doesn't qualify just because its owner is religious.
How a religious discrimination lawyer can help you
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We review your emails, reviews, schedule requests, and your employer's response.
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We tell you which laws apply and how strong your claim is.
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We file your EEOC charge or state agency complaint before the deadline.
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We negotiate with the employer's lawyers and take the case to court if needed.
If you've been fired or demoted for asking for an accommodation or for complaining, that's retaliation. Read about workplace retaliation.
What you can recover
A successful claim can recover back pay, front pay, money for emotional distress, and punitive damages in serious cases. You can also recover attorney's fees. Title VII caps compensatory and punitive damages together from $50,000 to $300,000, depending on employer size.
What to do before you call a religious discrimination lawyer
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Write down each incident with the date, what was said, and who saw it.
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Save emails, texts, and schedule requests, and keep a copy of any written accommodation request.
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Report the problem to HR in writing, and say that you fear retaliation.
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Talk to a lawyer if the problem continues or your complaint is ignored.
Federal deadlines are short. You generally have 180 days to file with the EEOC, or 300 days in California. After the EEOC issues a Notice of Right to Sue, you generally have 90 days to file in court.
California adds more protection
California law covers employers with five or more employees. It specifically protects religious dress and grooming, and it sets a higher bar for an employer to claim hardship. It also gives you three years to file with the California Civil Rights Department. Our California discrimination law guide explains the state rules. Religion and national origin often overlap, so see our page on race and national origin discrimination as well.
Why employees choose Kingsley Szamet
Eric Kingsley and Kelsey Szamet lead the firm, and we represent employees only. Results depend on the facts of each case.
We take cases on contingency. That means no upfront fee and no out-of-pocket cost to start. You pay only if we recover money for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sue my employer for religious discrimination?
Yes. If your employer treated you worse because of your religion, or refused a reasonable accommodation, you may have a claim. You generally must file an EEOC or state agency charge first.
How do I find a religious discrimination attorney in Los Angeles?
Look for a firm that represents employees only and takes cases on contingency. Ask who will work on your case and whether they've handled accommodation claims.
Does my employer have to accommodate my religious practices?
In most cases, yes. If you work for an employer with 15 or more employees, it must accommodate your religious beliefs and practices unless that would be a substantial burden on the business.
Can my employer make me remove religious clothing?
Usually not. Your employer needs a strong reason, and customer discomfort or coworker preference isn't one.
Can a religious organization discriminate against me?
It can prefer people of its own faith for jobs tied to its mission. It can't discriminate based on your race, sex, disability, or other protected traits.
How much does a religious discrimination lawyer cost?
At Kingsley Szamet, you pay no fee unless we recover money for you. Your first consultation is free.
Contact Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers
Call (818) 990-8300 to talk with our team about your situation. You can also schedule your free consultation online. We're at 16133 Ventura Blvd #1200, Encino, CA 91436, and we represent employees across California. This page gives general information. It isn't legal advice for your situation.
