Religious liberty law is a law that guarantees a person's freedom to worship or practice their religion. This fundamental right is guaranteed and protected by the state. It means that religious belief should not be equated with discriminatory treatment. Additionally, religious beliefs are not grounds for denying a person a job or public position. It also guarantees that one can freely practice and express religion without fear.
Free Exercise Clause
The First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause provides constitutional protection for religiously-motivated conduct and beliefs. Although it covers the freedom to believe and act, its scope is very limited. For example, the First Free Exercise Case dealt with the government's power to prohibit polygamy, and the Court imposed a hard line between belief and conduct.
However, the Court also addressed the Free Exercise Clause’s function in religious liberty law. The Court ruled in favor of federal courts resolving disputes between the First Clause (Free Exercise Clause) and the Second Clause.
Case-by-Case approach to eliminating burdens on religion
The Case-by–Case approach is focused on identifying the burden of a particular statute on religious freedom, analysing its effect on the religious community and determining whether it is substantial. If it significantly limits an adherent's ability to practice their religion, a statute's burden on the religion is considered significant.
Case law has shown that Title VII's definitions for religion cover all aspects of religious belief and practice. Employers must consider the religious practices of employees if they deny them employment opportunities. Employers who are unable or unwilling to accommodate religious practices or beliefs must show that it is not a burden on the business's ability to do so.
Protections for religious observance or practice
Federal law is able to protect religious freedom as it is one the fundamental principles that make up our nation. The First Amendment provides protections for free speech and the media, and allows citizens to petition the government to address grievances. These protections are combined with The First Amendment to allow religious freedom and guard government against unwelcome influences.
The United States is becoming more diverse and religious freedom protections should be extended to meet the needs of this growing population. Trump's mishandling religion freedom has had catastrophic effects on religious institutions in the United States and places of worship. Furthermore, it threatens to weaken nondiscrimination protections for many groups, including members of the LGBT community. Not just religious communities, but everyone must prioritize protecting religious freedom.
Federal workplace application of the religious liberty law
It is the federal government's responsibility to ensure that religious beliefs and practices are respected at work. Title VII requires employers and employees to make reasonable accommodation for religious practices. This law applies to all religious holidays and head coverings. Employers must accommodate employees' religious beliefs, practices, and beliefs unless they are a hardship to their business.
The government should not discriminate against religious organizations in grant-making or in the selection process for federal positions. It should not demand religious organizations to abandon their Section 702 exemption or other religious protections for government participation. Agency personnel should not be allowed to second-guess the beliefs of factory workers.