Religious Freedoms in the Workplace Deserve Protection, Says Interfaith Organization

For Immediate Release Contact: Shannon Craig Straw, West End Strategy Team, 202-776-7700, scstraw@westendstrategy.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2023

CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; (202) 417-0171

 Religious Freedoms in the Workplace Deserve Protection, Says Interfaith Organization

WASHINGTON—Interfaith advocates are applauding a much-anticipated update of Supreme Court precedent preserving religious accommodations in the workplace without creating an insurmountable burden for employers. Darcy Hirsh, senior director of policy and advocacy at Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:

“Americans should not have to choose between their jobs and their faith. Today’s decision to strengthen religious accommodation in the workplace is a win for religious freedom. At the same time, the ruling protects businesses by ensuring that these accommodations do not result in substantial increased costs for employers, or impact coworkers in a manner that affects the conduct of the business.

“Nondiscrimination laws are rightly designed to ensure all employees are treated equally, regardless of personal belief or expression. This ruling safeguards employees of all beliefs and backgrounds and puts religion on the same playing field as other protected groups.”

In a unanimous decision penned by Justice Alito, the court rejected the prior de minimis standard, ruling that “undue hardship” on an employer must be substantial. An employer must show that the burden of granting an accommodation would result in substantial increased costs in relation to the overall conduct of its particular business.

If you are interested in speaking further with Interfaith Alliance, please contact Manisha Sunil at (202) 417-0171 or msunil@westendstrategy.com.

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Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.