In the United States, laws protecting religious freedom also protect those who are nonreligious. Here's a breakdown of your rights:
Freedom from Discrimination: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on religion. This includes not just your religious beliefs, but also the lack thereof. You cannot be passed over for promotions, assignments, or even fired because you are not religious.
Reasonable Accommodation: While not required to participate in religious activities, your employer may need to accommodate your schedule for non-religious reasons if they do so for religious reasons. For instance, if they offer flexible hours for prayer breaks, they may need to consider similar arrangements for someone needing to attend a regular doctor's appointment.
Right to Not Participate: You cannot be pressured to participate in religious activities at work, such as prayer groups or mandatory religious messages.
Respectful Workplace: You have the right to a workplace free from religious harassment. This includes offensive jokes, comments, or being excluded from social activities because you are not religious.
Examples of Workplace Issues:
Being pressured to participate in religious activities like prayer groups.
Being excluded from social events or opportunities because of your non-religious beliefs.
Having religious symbols prominently displayed when they don't reflect the company's diversity.
What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated:
Document Everything: Keep a record of dates, times, and details of any discriminatory incidents.
Talk to Your Employer: If it's a minor issue, try to address it directly with your manager or HR department.
File a Complaint: If the issue persists, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Additional Resources: