California Governor to sign workplace religious dress and grooming bill

California Governor Jerry Brown is expected to sign workplace religious accommodation legislation this weekend. AB 1964 will amend Section 12940 of the Government Code, which prevents employers from discrimination based on a person’s religious belief or observance. The existing code reads, “Religious belief or observance, as used in this section, includes, but is not limited to, observance of a Sabbath of other religious holy days or days, and reasonable time necessary for travel prior and subsequent to a religious observance.” AB 1964 adds: “and the practice of wearing religious clothing or a religious hairstyle.” Additionally AB 1964 amends the code to include the wearing of certain apparel or jewelry, carrying an object of faith, such as a Sikh kirban, and styling of hair and beards.

For more information visit http://asmdc.org/members/a08/religious-freedom/item/3198-learn-more-about-ab-1964