Non-Christian Events Concern For Employers

Last December, retailers nationwide encountered a firestorm of criticism for removing Christmas themes from their holiday displays in an effort to avoid offending non- Christians. Instead, they inadvertently offended many Christians.

The controversy reminded employers that being respectful of employees' religious practices often requires walking a fine line.

The issue isn't relevant only in December. In fact, the autumn calendar is full of non-Christian holidays, such as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and the autumnal equinox, an important date in many pagan religions.

The challenge for employers is to accommodate employees who celebrate those holidays, thereby avoiding religious discrimination lawsuits, without alienating other employees. Full Story

Related: religion, wicca, pagan, spells