My husband was with a co-worker when the topic of religion came up. She, being Mormon spoke of her beliefs and my husband, being more spiritually open-minded spoke of his beliefs. Somehow she became offended because he did not agree with what she was saying. He simply wanted to inform her that he believes all paths lead to God, not just the Mormon path. She took great offense at this, just because he said what he believes. Now she has gotten him in trouble with their boss for harrassment. His job is on the line and I know in my heart that he did nothing wrong. Can someone please tell me if this is right for a company to reprimand someone for simply stating their beliefs. Also, we live in a country where the constitution protects our right to chose our own religion. Does this not apply in the state of Utah?
2007-10-09 10:01:54 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm LDS, and I'm seriously bothered by the way that it seems this woman treated your husband. That sucks.
Incidentally, Mormons believe that there will be all kinds of people that make it to "heaven" who were not Mormon on earth. She may have some incorrect info in her noggin.
All I can say is "Sorry".
2007-10-12 09:14:37 · answer #1 · answered by Ender 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a tough situation. In many cases people are warned from speaking about religion at work for this very reason. Technically is someone is "offended" by what has been said it can be considered harrassment. Is it fair or right? No probably not. As I am not aware of what the laws are in Utah, you might want to contact a lawyer for a consultation if it has gotten to the stage that his job is on the line. Many Attorneys will give you a 30 minute consultation either free or at a good price. I am sorry for your husbands troubles, I have been there myself, and actually ended up leaving the company of my own volition as it made the work place unbearable as we started dealing with it and the woman started making up things that she told people I said. Thankfully I am now in a much better job with people who are good at either asking questions without being offended or else minding their own business. Good Luck to you, I hope this works out favorablly for you both.
2007-10-09 10:09:32 · answer #2 · answered by MelpomeneTears 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I don't think that he'd be fired...and if he does, then you could probably sue, because since both were engaged in a religious discussion, then there's no reason to be fired, the Mormon woman on the other hand, she shouldn't get fired but should a warning maybe? Also, if you're a theist, I suppose that what your husband says is true, after all, how do we know how many paths lead to any god? Funny how people are so...passionate...about such things...As soon as someone says something that the person doesn't agree with...sh1t goes down.
2007-10-09 10:13:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No way it's right for a company to reprimand someone for simply stating their beliefs. I strongly doubt that the whole story is being told. I'm not saying that your husband is wrong, but I'll bet the farm that the Mormon and the Boss would say that he is being reprimanded for something beyond stating his religious beliefs. They would say that there is something missing from the story being told here. I think that you should consider their point of view enough to be able to portray it accurately.
2007-10-09 10:14:40 · answer #4 · answered by almac 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Talking about religious issues within the workplace is unwise and we see the results by what happened to your BF.
Your BF needs to take action fast to overturn this reprimand issue as it appears the conversation was mutualy agreed to by both parties.
Unless your omitting something, then your BF got the bad end of the stick as he also has the right to state his beliefs.
Are you sure the other party did not get a repremand also?
In the future this subject needs to be avoided at work.
2007-10-09 10:58:35 · answer #5 · answered by Adonai 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legally speaking,your husband cannot be faulted for engaging in a conversation concerning religion as long as it remained civil. Disagreement is not the same as uncivil. As long as your husband did not contribute to a "hostile work environment" there should not be a problem. Have him speak with the boss and explain the circumstances. If there is any sort of action taken against him, consult a Labor Law professional.
2007-10-09 10:10:57 · answer #6 · answered by Tim 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Check the employee handbook for rules relating to religion. If there is no employee handbook, the company doesn't have a leg to stand on. If the company does not give it up, I would counter with a complaint against the woman for harassing him about religion to begin with.
If there are no rules regarding religious discussions in his workplace, I'd say free speech rules the day, given that there were no restrictions against what he said.
2007-10-09 10:08:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
unless he stated something religious /started the conversation and she was defending her belief or he said something offensive i don't see why it should be considered harrassment. i don't think debating religion or even bringing it up at work is practical unless all the present colleagues are from the same religion and the same sect and that is usually not the case.
i think your husband should get a lawyer , a good one.
2007-10-09 10:24:21 · answer #8 · answered by sweet tooth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what you've said, the charges are bogus. She's offended because he doesn't agree with her. Welcome to the world of an atheist. I get this all the time from some Christians I know.
He needs to get a lawyer or at least a consult with one. If they are taking her side over his, he needs a legal leg to stand on. Why are her beliefs more important than his?
2007-10-09 10:06:20 · answer #9 · answered by Rogue Scrapbooker 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Once there was a manager, who was Catholic, who walked around asking all the low-level workers about their faith. THAT was harassment, because of rank it was intimidation. None of them wanted to discuss it and were afraid of getting in trouble.
When he got to me and told me to my face, in my cube, that his belief was that it was God's will that women work in the home, I exploded, beat a path to HR and got him a serious reprimand. THAT is harassment.
Two people sharing views in a consensual conversation is not harassment. Not a good idea, but not harassment. He should challenge what's going on.
2007-10-09 10:11:44 · answer #10 · answered by KC 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋