Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Utah

Talking Religion

I work for Verizon. They told me I could not say anything about religion to another employee even if I am outside the building on break.


Asked on 12/11/06, 7:45 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: Talking Religion

You can either agree to abide the Verizon policy or start looking for a new job. Under Utah law you can be discharge at any time for cause or no cause. So if you want to challenge Verizon's policy which appears to infringe on your free speech rights, you may be looking for a new job - even if you are right about the policy.

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Answered on 12/11/06, 11:01 am
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Talking Religion

I agree with Mr. Lundgren, and I want to add that the order you describe does not violate your rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution limits the ability of the government to interfere with speech and religion, but does not apply to private entities like Verizon. Your employer can insist that you not discuss religion while on duty and/or while on its premises, and can also limit how you interact with other employees during their shifts. It may even be able to limit your interaction with your co-workers when you and they are off-duty and off-premises, though I am not licensed in Utah and I don't know how much Utah law allows employers to do this.

My sense is that this is not a general company policy but rather a directive you received after other employees complained about you. If you like your job and want to keep your income, I suggest abiding by the company's decision.

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Answered on 12/11/06, 2:21 pm


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