Commission (EEOC) Approves Revised Enforcement Guidance on Religious Discrimination

Document Clarifies Protections for Employers and Employees
Under the Law

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) approved revisions to EEOC’s Compliance Manual Section on Religious Discrimination (“Manual”). The Manual was approved by the Commission on January 15th by a 3-2 vote.

The updated guidance describes in what ways Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) protects individuals from religious discrimination in the workplace and sets forth the legal protections available to religious employers.

On Nov. 9, the Commission voted (3-2) to publish its proposed changes to the Manual for public review and input. After reviewing the public input received, the Commission made revisions to the Manual before finalizing it.

The current version of the Manual, last updated in 2008, does not reflect recent legal developments and emerging issues. Since 2008, several Supreme Court decisions, as well as the lower courts, have altered the legal landscape.  The revisions to the guidance include important updates to the discussion of protections for employees from religious discrimination in the context of reasonable accommodations and harassment. It also expands the discussion of defenses that may be available to religious employers. 

EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov.  Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.