PROTECTING
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
California Passes Law Protecting Religious Garb, Grooming in the Workplace
On September 8, 2012, California Governor, Jerry Brown, signed into law AB 1964 to amend Section 12926 of the California Government Code (part of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act), clarifying the employment rights of employees wearing turbans, beards and hijabs in observance of their religious beliefs. California law protects individuals from employment discrimination based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, or sexual orientation. AB 1964 expands the definition of “religious creed” to include religious dress and grooming practices as part of an individual’s religious observance or belief. Under the new law, “religious dress practice” will be “construed broadly to include the wearing or carrying of religious clothing, head or face coverings, jewelry, artifacts, and any other item that is part of the observance by an individual of his or her religious creed.” “Religious grooming practice” will also be construed broadly to include all forms of head, facial, and body hair that are part of the observance by an individual of his or her religious creed. Employers are required to reasonably accommodate the religious belief or observance of an individual unless the accommodation would be an undue hardship on the conduct of business of the employer. Under AB 1964, however, an accommodation that would require the individual to be segregated from the public or other employees “would not be considered reasonable.” The new law takes effect on January 1, 2013.
Client Testimonials
I've had a long executive career and dealt with many many attorneys. I've seen everything from highly competent lawyers with no moral compass to ethical practitioners that fear complexity. So I think it fair to say I can recognize a great attorney when I see it...
I recently employed Mozaffari Law to handle a wrong termination case against my former employer, which is a Fortune 50 corporation. My lawyer, Afshin Mozaffari, executed his duties splendidly. From inception, he carefully explained the impending...
His approach made me feel really comfortable, and I felt like he genuinely wanted to help me.” I would recommend Mr. Mozaffari because he really listens to his clients and achieves favorable results. I felt he gathered a lot of information about my case by listening and then by...
I strongly recommend Mr. Mozaffari if you have a case against your employer.” You will not regret selecting Mr. Mozaffari as your attorney. He is very knowledgeable, patient and detail-oriented, which I think are the most important traits of a caring lawyer. I was referred to him...
After years of hard-fought litigation, Afshin was able to secure a great result for my case." I worked at a large corporation with many instances of sex/gender discrimination and unequal pay to women. After voicing these concerns, I was retaliated against and terminated. Afshin...
Afshin Mozaffari is an amazing attorney! My initial search for a lawyer to represent me was extremely disappointing. Many did not want to take the time to hear my “story,” lacked compassion and were primarily interested only in what the monetary outcome could possibly be...
I cannot recommend Mozaffari Law highly enough … Afshin Mozaffari demonstrated incredible professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to my case. What truly sets him apart is his attention to detail and his genuine care for his clients. His ability to navigate complex legal issues...