[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 153 (Wednesday, November 5, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11785-S11786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    WORKPLACE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ACT

 Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to support a bill 
introduced by my colleagues Senators Kerry and Coats to protect 
workplace religious freedom.
  I have long championed the rights of individuals to freedom of 
religious observance and practice. I believe individual Christians, 
Jews, Muslims, and others should be able to honor their religious 
beliefs without fear of losing their jobs.
  For example, employees should be able to observe Good Friday, the 
Jewish Sabbath or wear clothing required by one's religion. I've met 
with many constituents who have expressed their concern to me that they 
have been discriminated against because of their religious practices.
  My State of Maryland already has many employers who are sensitive to 
the needs of religious accommodation. However, there is room for 
improvement. One Arab-American woman from my State told me she cannot 
wear her traditional Muslim garb at her place of employment. I know 
there are other stories like this which cut across all faiths.
  If an employee's religious practice does not cause an undue hardship 
on an employer, an employee should be given the freedom to observe or 
practice a religious custom.
  I am dismayed that many individuals are discriminated against in our 
society, because of their religious beliefs. Our country was founded on 
the premise that everyone has a right to religious freedom. We need to 
preserve this doctrine.
  Unfortunately, the courts have interpreted title VII of the Civil 
Rights Act of 1964 very narrowly when it comes to religious practices. 
This bill would restore the basic tenet of religious freedom to 
thousands of individuals who have met with discrimination at the 
workplace.
  I urge my colleagues to support S. 1164, the Workplace Religious 
Freedom

[[Page S11786]]

Restoration Act. I believe religious accommodation is a cherished right 
that we must protect.

                          ____________________