Religion
Religious discrimination is the intentional poor or different treatment of individuals or groups because of what they do or do not believe. Individuals or groups can also be discriminated against due to their ideology towards a given religion. Religious discrimination comes in many forms: direct, indirect, harassment, and victimization.
Did you know?
- The Equality Act 2010 says you must not be discriminated against because:
*you are (or are not) of a particular religion
*you hold (or do not hold) a particular philosophical belief
*someone thinks you are of a particular religion or hold a particular belief
*you are connected to someone who has a religion or belief - Both NH state and federal law prohibit discrimination based on religion. If your employer fires you or denies you a promotion because of your religious beliefs, that is discrimination based on religion.
- Many laws (most prominent Nuremberg Laws of 1935) separated those of Jewish faith as supposedly inferior to the Christian population.
FORMS OF DISCRIMATION
There are four main types of religion or belief discrimination.
- Direct Discrimination:
This happens when someone treats you worse than another person in a similar situation because of your religion or non-religion. - Indirect discrimination:
Indirect discrimination happens when an organization has a particular policy or way of working that applies to everyone but which puts you at a disadvantage because of your religion or belief. - Harassment:
Harassment in the workplace occurs when someone makes you feel humiliated, offended or degraded. - Victimization:
This is when you are treated badly because you have made a complaint of religion or belief related discrimination under the Equality Act. It can also occur if you are supporting someone who has made a complaint of religion or belief related discrimination.
YiA and Religion
Anyone can practice yoga, no matter the age, level of fitness and health, mental/emotional state, body weight, abilities, or religion. It can act as a means of promoting physical vitality, mental serenity and the opportunity for self-development and realization of self-worth.
Yoga In Action teachers work together with YiA leadership and partner organizations to bring forth the mission to ensure ALL people have access to the therapeutic benefits of yoga regardless of religious status.
A quote from Rise Up and Salute:
“Cultural and religious traditions that forbid cross-cultural unions prevent peace on earth. Instead of rejoicing that our sons and daughters are heart-driven and love other humans outside of their familiar religious, social or cultural domains, we punish and insult them. This is wrong. “ Quote from The Writings of Suzy Kassmen
Sources
https://www.employeerightsgroup-newhampshire.com/religious-discrimination-and-harassment
https://www2ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/religion.html
https://hatecrime.osce. org/what-hate-crime/bial-against-members-other-religions-or-beliefs
https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and guidance/religion0or-belief-discrimination
https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/section-12-religious-discrimination
*References on the Yoga in Action website represent a variety of perspectives & sources. They are provided for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Yoga in Action.*