We Protect Workers

Can an employer invite prayer at a work event?

Religion is a deeply personal thing. Even two people who are nominally of the same faith can have very different approaches to their relationship with the divine, and practice their faith in distinctly different ways. That’s one of the main reasons that employers tend to keep religion out of the workplace. 

But, what if your employer does not? If your employer invites everybody to bow their heads in prayer before a celebratory dinner or likes to start staff meetings with a prayerful thanks for everybody’s well-being, is that illegal?

It’s not illegal if it isn’t forced – but retaliation can be subtle

As long as your employer doesn’t make participation mandatory and employees are truly free to decline to participate, an invitation to prayer is not illegal. It’s not even illegal for your employer to discuss their faith with you, so long as they permit you to discuss your faith (or lack thereof) right back without fear of penalty.

Unfortunately, few employees put in this situation are likely to feel like their participation is really voluntary – and they’re probably right. While an employer may give lip service to the idea that “nobody is being forced to pray,” they may retaliate against anybody who doesn’t appear to toe the line. Retaliation can take the form of things like:

  • Derogatory comments or jokes about your lack of religion or choice not to be included
  • A marked shift in your employer’s attitude toward you once they realize you don’t share the same faith
  • Sudden negative changes in your performance evaluations or a transfer to a less desirable department or shift
  • Increased pressure to attend religious services with them and scrutiny over your private life

If you suspect that you’re the victim of religious discrimination at work, keep detailed notes of everything that happens – and consider seeking tailored legal guidance.

 

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