Religious discrimination - Washington

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

Employer defined

“Employer” includes any person acting in the interest of an employer, directly or indirectly, who employs eight or more persons. It does not include any religious or sectarian organization not organized for private profit.

Unlawful employment practices

The unlawful employment practices and exemptions are similar to those under the federal Guidelines on Discrimination Because of Religion. The state law does not include provisions that require employers to reasonably accommodate employee’s religious beliefs. However, the federal requirements would still apply.

Washington’s law also prohibits employers from requiring employees to disclose their sincerely held religious affiliations or beliefs, except where the belief or affiliation must be revealed as part of a request for a religious accommodation.

Posting

The state provides a poster titled “Washington Law Prohibits Discrimination in Employment.”

State

Contact

Washington Human Rights Commission

Regulations

RCW Title 49, Chapter 49.60, Discrimination - Human Rights Commission

WAC Title 162, Human Rights Commission

Federal

Contact

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Regulations

29 CFR Part 1605, Guidelines on Discrimination Because of Religion