February 2023 Church & State Magazine - February 2023

Supreme Court Accepts Case Dealing With Religious Accommodations

 

The U.S. Supreme Court has accepted a new case that deals with what sort of religious accommodations must be provided by employers.

The case was brought by Gerald Groff, who sued the U.S. Postal Service after he was told he would have to work Sunday shifts. Groff objected, saying that his Christian beliefs require him to emphasize worship over work on Sundays.

Current federal law requires employers to accommodate employees’ religious needs as long as it does not present an “undue hardship.” The standard usually favors employers. Lower courts ruled against Groff. 

In a statement to USA Today, Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United, urged the court to “reiterate that freedom of religion is not a justification to harm others, including coworkers.” 

The case, Groff v. DeJoy, will be argued this term with a decision expected by July. 

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