The Seventh-day Adventist Church has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Maryland, claiming that its fair employment law infringes on the church’s constitutional right to religious independence. Filed in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, the lawsuit contends that recent interpretations of the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act hinder the church’s ability to hire employees based on their adherence to its religious beliefs. Cases like these are one of the main services that a skilled Silver Spring, MD, employment litigation lawyer pursues. Everyone deserves to be treated equally in the workplace, and has the right to take action if they face discrimination.
The church, headquartered in Silver Spring, maintains a policy requiring all employees—regardless of their roles—to be active church members and follow strict conduct standards. These include abstinence from alcohol, drugs, and behaviors deemed “immoral,” such as adultery and homosexuality. The church argues that the Maryland Supreme Court’s August 2023 ruling, which limits religious exemptions to employees directly supporting an organization’s core mission, oversteps constitutional protections.
“Plaintiffs require all employees, from pastors to IT staff, to adhere to church teachings,” the lawsuit states. It further argues that allowing courts to determine which roles are religious undermines the church’s autonomy and violates the First Amendment.
The Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act, bolstered by legislation signed in 2023 by Democratic Governor Wes Moore, aims to combat workplace discrimination. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, whose office enforces the law, praised its implementation as a critical tool for protecting civil rights.
The church contends that the law forces excessive government interference in religious decisions. While state officials have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, the case raises questions about the balance between anti-discrimination protections and religious liberties, with potential implications for faith-based organizations nationwide.
How An Employment Litigation Lawyer Helps In Religious Discrimination Claims In The Workplace
Religious discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee is treated unfairly due to their religious beliefs or practices. An employment litigation lawyer plays a critical role in addressing such claims, ensuring the affected party’s rights are upheld under federal and state laws.
First, an attorney evaluates the claim’s validity. They gather evidence, such as documentation of discriminatory actions, communications, or witnesses, to determine whether the employer’s conduct violates laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law prohibits discrimination based on religion and requires employers to reasonably accommodate employees’ religious practices unless doing so imposes undue hardship on the business.
The lawyer also navigates the complexities of workplace policies and legal exemptions. For instance, religious organizations may claim exemptions under certain laws, and the lawyer assesses how these apply.
In cases where employers fail to accommodate religious practices, such as dress codes, prayer schedules, or dietary restrictions, the attorney negotiates with the employer for solutions. If negotiations fail, they represent the employee in filing complaints with agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or pursuing litigation.
Throughout the process, the lawyer ensures the employee understands their rights and potential outcomes. They advocate for remedies such as compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, or reinstatement of employment. You don’t have to put up with discrimination in the workplace. You have many rights under Maryland and federal laws, and the attorneys at Eric Siegel Law can help you assert them. Call us today if you have been a victim of discrimination.