What does religion have to do with where i work?

[Zudo]

I was fired the other day from a job i had been working at for a few years. I went to my boss and asked him why he fired me, he said because of my religion, that it was offending my co-workers.

The only place i practice my religion is at home. I told a curious friend at work about what religion i studied. So...i'm thinking that my freind told my boss. Plus, i had a promotion coming up. So..this is screwed up..military wise..FUBAR.

Thanks for listening.

[wrist cutter]

Next time I suggest you don't tell anyone at work.

[Inuyasha311]

If I was you I would look into that! Because your boss sounds like a butt! When you go to a job it should not matter about anything you do on your free time or at home.you said you didn't bring your religion to work. I mean did your friend tell him that he asked you about it? I wouldn't let my boss get away with that!But it is best not to tell much about yourself to co-workers because you never know.

[Hevn]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][SIZE=1][B]If I'm not mistaken could that have been discrimination? If that is then that was just stupid. Firing people because of their religion is not right. He should've just talked to you and the other co-workers concerned to settle the issue and go on your merry ways.

Anyway, some communities are just like that. They close their minds on some things including religion. Sometimes, there's also school discrimination like when they know that you're from this university then they won't accept you.

Don't worry, at least you know that you haven't done anything wrong and they probably did. Maybe you're better off in some place else. I won't ask what your religion is but maybe the god of your religion will give you something better. Keep the faith and don't let anybody put you down because they are against your religion ^_^x[/B][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[ChibiHorsewoman]

[color=darkviolet]The story sounds a bit out there, but if it's true you can sue your employer for religious discrimination. Firing someone because of their religious beliefs is violation of the civil liberties act (or something). Of course, I'm going by US laws I don't know about elsewhere.

What I find pretty interesting is that your boss came out and said that he fired you because of your religious beliefs. Unless you work somewhere like a Chirstian Day Care service you cannot legally be fired for believing differently than everyone else. Even if it did offend your co-workers you can't be fired for something like that.

I'd definately look into taking legal action[/color]

[Guest Heezay]

I think I would look into legal action as well. This is just blatant discrimination and I'm suprised that this would happen. What religion is it that you believe in?

[Transtic Nerve]

You could sue them for religious discrimination. But if you live in a right to work state, that would be a waste of your time.

Regardless, personal matters, including religion, should not intertwined with your work matters. I don't bring my personal life into work, and I don't like it when other peopel do.

[lonewolf228]

Zudo dude, I dunno if the your qoute was Rethorical but I will answer it just in case

Anyways let me answer for you:

I dont have many friends (No I'm not lying when im saying this but I dont like to be around people much (Nope, thats not anti-social, why you think I'm here?)And honestly I dont need too.)
And I really dont care what people think that much, Specially people that I dont know...

[Baron Samedi]

[size=1]*tick* Discrimination
*tick* prejudice
*tick* narrow-mindedness
*tick* court action
*tick* unfair

As a curiosity question, what religion are you? I would really only expect this kind of foolish reaction with...Satanism, Wiccan or Islam. Maybe Haitian. Or maybe they'd be too scared to if you were Haitian. :p. Anyway, that is wrong. If you left your religion at home then there wouldn't and shouldn't be a problem. I'd have a little chat with that 'friend'.[/size]

[Doukeshi]

What does it say under his user name guys? Seriously.

Anyway, I'm with the others on legal action here. If it was a serious enough job and I'm assuming it was 'cause you were up for promotion and all, then you probably have a case.

However, its still your word against his I suppose...do you have what he said in writing?

[Harry]

It's worth a shot but I honestly don't think the court system cares if Wiccans are persecuted. I know it shouldn't be like that but things don't always work as they do on paper.

[ChibiHorsewoman]

[quote name='Harry']It's worth a shot but I honestly don't think the court system cares if Wiccans are persecuted. I know it shouldn't be like that but things don't always work as they do on paper.[/quote]

[color=darkviolet]The court system has no choice in the matter, they have to review the case because his civil rights were violated. Unless it's a state like what TN mentioned. Hell, they had no choice in Michigan when some girl was told to take of her pentagram necklace, but her classmates who were Christian were allowed to wear their crosses. You can't legally be discriminated against for religious beliefs unless you've been airing them extensively. And even then they can't really do much (if they could, I think I could get rid of one of my co-workers.)

Unfortunately as unfair as it may sound when you practice a religion that isn't mainstream or even one that isn't understood in positive terms it's much better to just keep it under wraps. My husband gets crap all the time (well, he did stateside. In Iraq I don't think they have as much time) for being Wiccan, but in the Army they can't fire people and it would look questionable for someone to get a dishonorable discharge for their religious beliefs. [/color]

[Harry]

[quote name='ChibiHorsewoman][color=darkviolet']The court system has no choice in the matter, they have to review the case because his civil rights were violated. Unless it's a state like what TN mentioned. Hell, they had no choice in Michigan when some girl was told to take of her pentagram necklace, but her classmates who were Christian were allowed to wear their crosses. You can't legally be discriminated against for religious beliefs unless you've been airing them extensively. And even then they can't really do much (if they could, I think I could get rid of one of my co-workers.) [/color][/quote]
Well yeah they will review it but it doesn't mean a jury or judge will go along with it. Opinions count in law a more than they should. I mean look at the recent case where the girl gets drugged and raped on video tape and the guys get off because the lawyer portrayed her as a slut so she would love to have a pool cube stuck up here ***.

[outlawstar69]

[quote name='Baron Samedi'][size=1As a curiosity question, what religion are you? I would really only expect this kind of foolish reaction with...Satanism, Wiccan or Islam. Maybe Haitian. Or maybe they'd be too scared to if you were Haitian. :p. Anyway, that is wrong. If you left your religion at home then there wouldn't and shouldn't be a problem. I'd have a little chat with that 'friend'.[/size][/quote]

Say.. since when does Islam get categorized in the same category as Satanism? Last I heard, there's as much similarity between that and Islam as there is with Catholisism. I mean, I understand about racism in terms or recent event, but still... if I was more spiteful I'd try to initiate a game that they play with my autistic brother that goes something like this:

"Ok everyone, let's sing a song!
Look, over there. Are these the same?
Lets' play the game of Which One of These Things does not Belong!"

Sigh...

[Zudo]

Thanks, but i already took care of it -grins-.

The 'friend' is having a little trouble walking now.

It was stupid think i could trust someone, with such a...uh..secret?
I mean, people think just because im wiccan, that im also satanic, its not the same

[ChibiHorsewoman]

[quote name='outlawstar69']Say.. since when does Islam get categorized in the same category as Satanism? [/quote]

[color=darkviolet]When you discuss it with my paternal grandmother, that's when.

I think what was meant by the grouping was that many people don't know much about Islam so they automatically group it together with other non mainstream religions. It's sad, but true that peopel suddenly decide to be fearful of things they don't know anything about.

I could go on to explain that Satanism isn't about worshipping Satan, but I don't think that's really necessary.[/color]

[Baron Samedi]

[size=1]If that reference was to me, then I was not in any way stating that Islam, Satanism and Wicca are in any way intertwined, [i]except in the fact that people have a prejudice against them[/i]. That is the similarity I was referring to when grouping them.[/size]

[wrist cutter]

[quote name='Baron Samedi]If that reference was to me, then I was not in any way stating that Islam, Satanism and Wicca are in any way intertwined, [i]except in the fact that people have a prejudice against them[/i']. That is the similarity I was referring to when grouping them.[/quote]

Are you saying people aren't prejudiced against Christianity or Judaism? It's that way for all religions.

[ChibiHorsewoman]

[quote name='wrist cutter']Are you saying people aren't prejudiced against Christianity or Judaism? It's that way for all religions.[/quote]

[color=darkviolet]Oddly enough I've heard of Baptists being prejudiced against Catholics becuase the Catholics also pray to Saints.

That's just the way it is for everything in general. There are people who are prejudiced against watching Queer Eye for the Straight Guy becuase it portrays homosexuals in a positive light. :rolleyes:

There's nothing you can do about it, you can't force people to like you. Even if you could or did there would be some pretty bad reporcutions. Like oh, they might like you too much. It's just the way life is as long as there are differences in thought or opinion there will be people who are against those differences.[/color]

[Gavin]

[quote name='ChibiHorsewoman][color=darkviolet']Oddly enough I've heard of Baptists being prejudiced against Catholics becuase the Catholics also pray to Saints.[/color][/quote]

[SIZE=1]Well now that's something new.

[CENTER]-----------[/CENTER]

Well Zudo I agree with the general consensus forming here that you should take your employer to court over this as it is a clear case of Religious Discrimination. If the guy was really that concerned about your religion's effect on other workers he should have at least spoken to you first, however this sounds like a mere "I'll find some dumbass reason to fire the guy and end up in court for discrimination".

As for Baron's comments about the misconceptions of small-minded individuals in regard to different religions I agree whole-heartedly. The same crap between Muslims and Anti-Muslims has been going in Ireland/Northern Ireland for the better part of 200 years between Catholic and Protestants over small differences. I warn people now that stupidity over such a thing as religion can and will lead to violence and possibly wars.[/SIZE]

[Baron Samedi]

[size=1][quote name='wrist cutter']Are you saying people aren't prejudiced against Christianity or Judaism? It's that way for all religions.[/quote]

Yes, but especially from our side of the fence, Islam gets a bashing. It is more like the three religions I named are...buzzword religions. They all have negative connotations. If you say 'Hey dude, I'm Christian, gimme five', no-one cares [except that you're odd]. But if you go around saying 'I'm Islamic', 'I think Satan is cool', 'I have Wiccan powers', etc. then there is a difference in attitude. I wasn't saying 'Hey Islam, Wicca and Satanism are all given a bad rap, but nothing else is'.

You see what I mean?[/size]

[outlawstar69]

[QUOTE=Baron Samedi][size=1]

Yes, but especially from our side of the fence, Islam gets a bashing. It is more like the three religions I named are...buzzword religions. They all have negative connotations. If you say 'Hey dude, I'm Christian, gimme five', no-one cares [except that you're odd]. But if you go around saying 'I'm Islamic', 'I think Satan is cool', 'I have Wiccan powers', etc. then there is a difference in attitude. I wasn't saying 'Hey Islam, Wicca and Satanism are all given a bad rap, but nothing else is'.

You see what I mean?[/size][/QUOTE]


Aww, it's ok now. I dub thee forgiven :) From what you said I realize you didn't mean anything in a negative manner, so don't worry about it.

And CHW, how could a religion that is the second largest in the world in terms of followers, and the fastest growing not be considered mainstream? (Ok, I'm done with that bit now, just had to get it out of my system :p )

Back to what this thing is about... what country does it take place in? I believe the courses of legal action available are strongly dependent upon where the transgression takes place.

[Dan L]

[quote name='ChibiHorsewoman][color=darkviolet']Oddly enough I've heard of Baptists being prejudiced against Catholics becuase the Catholics also pray to Saints.[/color][/quote]

There's a lot of intra-Christianity prejudice between denominations. Ireland is probably the most prominent example, with the whole fighting between the Catholic side and the Protestant side (even though a lot of people have these labels more to say which side they're on- not as a sign of what they believe)

In England, Anglicans and Baptists are generally prejudiced towards Catholics, Traditional Anglicans and Catholics are prejudiced towards the free churches, Traditionalists and churches who don't follow tradition exchange prejudices with each other...

And then in America practically everyone is prejudiced towards the MCC, the main church denomination which allows homosexuals into it's membership.

All in all when it comes to Christians in unity.. we're a bit screwed at the moment :p

[Solo Tremaine]

[QUOTE=Zudo]Thanks, but i already took care of it -grins-.

The 'friend' is having a little trouble walking now.

It was stupid think i could trust someone, with such a...uh..secret?
I mean, people think just because im wiccan, that im also satanic, its not the same[/QUOTE][color=#503f86]I've no idea whether this was serious or not, but giving your 'friend' 'walking difficulties' isn't going to help your case of religious prejudice much. If anything I'd have thought it'd worsen the situation- simple logic would dictate that if one Wiccan hurts you, others might too. Hence, you build up a stigma against yourself that denotes that Wiccans are vindictive.

As much as I dislike the idea of compensation culture, this is one case where I'd be inclined to follow legal action. It would put you (and other Wiccans too, probably) in a much better light persuing things in a more mature way, and it would bring religious discrimination into the public eye. Fights don't solve anything, save to deepen the hatred between various factions.[/color]

[AzureWolf]

It sounds to me that your boss was trying to be frank with you instead of telling you the "official" reason. I mean, he did say you were hindering the other employees' progress. Even if it was by just being Wiccan, they were being hindered by you. I think it's a useless case to fight since they can just argue that you were holding others back. I mean, that's the reason. Why were you holding them back (i.e., the reason for the reason), that can be (and is) trivial.