Written by Don Byrd
California’s General Assembly yesterday sent a workplace religious freedom measure to the State Senate with an overwhelming 59-3 show of support. The bill would add religious hairstyle, clothing and the carrying of religious objects to the state’s anti-discrimination protections. Supporters cited another benefit as well.
Some lawmakers noted that the law could save the state from costly legal cases, such as a lawsuit the Department of Corrections settled last year with a Sikh man who was barred from becoming a prison guard because he refused to shave the beard required by his Sikh religion so he could be fitted for a gas mask. The state agreed to pay the man $295,000 in damages and give him a managerial job.
Protecting employees, rather than subjecting them to needless religious discrimination, is good for religious freedom and good for taxpayers. More like this, please. (I’m looking at you, Congress).
