What rights do employees have related to religious expression in the workplace?

Every employee in Washington has the right to express their religious beliefs in the workplace, free from discrimination or harassment. This right is codified in the state’s Civil Rights Law, along with several other laws which protect the sacred freedoms of individuals. Employees have the right to wear religious clothing, head coverings, jewelry or symbols while in the workplace. They have the right to pray or engage in religious activities during any free time they may have. Employers may not require an employee to practice a religion, nor can they force them to engage in certain religious activities. Employees may not be discriminated against because of their religious beliefs. This includes hiring, firing, compensation, job assignments, or promotions. Employers are also prohibited from refusing to provide reasonable accommodations for religious practices, so long as they do not create an undue hardship to the employer. Employees have the right to reasonable time off to observe religious holidays and to engage in religious practices. If an employee is taking such time off, employers must treat the request as a request for time off for any other reason and may not require additional paperwork or evidence of the observance of a religious holiday. Employees also have the right to have an environment free from discrimination or harassment due to their religion. Employers are prohibited from making comments or engaging in behavior which is degrading to the employee’s religious beliefs. They may also not retaliate or take negative action against an employee for speaking up about religious discrimination.

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What rights do employees have related to religious expression in the workplace?

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