Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Florida

Re: Workplace prayer group

If your boss is a private employer, there is no question about his right to start a prayer group, it is only government which is prohibited from promoting religious practice. It should be mentioned, however, that under the present Conservative Republican administration, Attorney General Ashcroft, has started a Christian prayer group in his office every morning. In the belief that such is appropriate. What do you think?

Re: Workplace prayer group

I do not see a legal problem with a private employer starting a prayer group. The law does prohibit employers from making hiring and firing decisions based on religion. Likewise, if your employer's religous beliefs, which differ from yours, impact negatively on the terms and conditions of your employment, I would be troubled.

Re: Workplace prayer group

If your employer is in any way a governmental agency or an employer that is substantial funded from any public funding source that there is an absolute prohibition. If your employer is a private business entity, then there is no prohibition against setting up these prayer groups. If on the other hand your employer uses an employee's participation in these prayer groups as a reason to promote or not promote or for any other advantage or disadvantage of its employees, that is a violation of federal civil rights laws. There are other factors that must be taken into consideration, but generally speaking a persons religious affiliation or lack of one can not be taken into consideration when employment considerations are made.