H.R. 1431 would amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to establish provisions with respect to religious accommodation in employment.
Detailed Summary
Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 2007 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to modify the definition of "religion" for purposes of coverage under that Act by requiring employers to make an affirmative and bona fide effort to reasonably accommodate the religious practices of employees. Defines the term "perform the essential functions" to exclude practices having a temporary or tangential impact on an employee's ability to perform job functions, such as practices relating to clothing or taking time off work. Sets forth factors to consider in determining whether an accommodation causes undue hardship. Defines "employee" to require an ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Requires removal of the conflict between employment requirements and the employee's religious practices in order for an accommodation to be considered reasonable.
Considers an employer's refusal to permit an employee's use of general leave to remove a religious conflict solely because the leave will be used to accommodate religious practices to be an unlawful employment practice.
Prohibits the amendments made by this Act from applying to conduct occurring prior to enactment.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 6/27/2007: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Stuart
August 1, 2008, 2:21pm (report abuse)Perhaps employers will be more sensitive to what their workers face each day. Those that practice their faith will be the best employees as they stand for principles