Religious Discrimination, Place Of Employment

In different places of employment there might be signs of religious discrimination. Like all other forms of discrimination it is not acceptable nor should it be tolerated. It is important to recognize what religious discrimination is and how to spot it when it happens in the workplace so that education can be provided to the perpetrator.

Religious discrimination is the unfair or unequal treatment of an employee or employer based on their personal beliefs. It can extend so far as to treat a group of people unfairly. Religion-related discrimination doubled between 1999 and 2010. The first amendment protects every citizen to practice their religion freely. Those in the United States are legally protected from being harassed based on their beliefs. And yet this protection does not extend to all countries or all groups.

Studies have found that Christians are actually the most-discriminated against religious group around the world where they are harassed by society and governments in one hundred and sixty eight countries. That same study revealed that Muslims--constituting the second largest religious group behind Christians) were discriminated against for their beliefs in one hundred and twenty one countries. Jews constitute one percent of the world population and yet are discriminated against in eighty five countries which ranks them third among all other religious groups. Nearly half of the countries in the world saw religious discrimination increase just between the years 2009 and 2010.

In Europe and Asia the restrictions related to religious discrimination are quite high. In North American and Australia the restrictions against religious discrimination are moderate. In some parts of South America and Africa the government restrictions are quite low. On average the countries that have lower rates of government laws against discrimination have higher rates of social hostility. This can include harassment as well as armed conflict and even violence or hate crimes.

Overall religious discrimination can take place anywhere in the work place. By understanding what it is and recognizing the signs people who perpetrate it can be educated and it can be stopped. Recognizing the rate at which different groups are discriminated against in different countries draws great light upon the fact that religious discrimination is quite prevalent in spite of attempts to thwart it. By working together to better understand and appreciate other religions through improved education people can eliminate the propensity for increased religious discrimination against fellow employees.