Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their religion?

The answer to whether employers in Maryland are allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their religion depends on the type of job. Maryland law prohibits discrimination in employment; and this includes discrimination based on religion. This means that an employer cannot make a hiring, promotion, or firing decision based on an employee’s religion. An employer also cannot set different expectations or standards for employees of different religions. However, if required for the job, an employer can take an employee’s religion into consideration in order to ensure that customers can be served in a way that is in accordance with their beliefs. For example, a restaurant may need to hire workers of certain religions in order to honor dietary restrictions of customers. An employer may also take into consideration holidays and the availability of employees who follow certain religious beliefs. Ultimately, it is important to remember that employees’ religious beliefs should not be a deciding factor in employment decisions. Different standards or expectations can only be set if it is necessary and relevant to the job. If an employee suspects that they have been discriminated against based on their religion, then they should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

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Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their religion?

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