Governor Jon S. Corzine yesterday signed into law legislation Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer sponsored that would provide new rights for religiously observant New Jerseyans to better be able to meet their religious obligations.
?We need to ensure that religious discrimination in the workplace will not be allowed,? said Schaer (D-Passaic). ?People have a right to practice their religious beliefs without the fear of loosing their livelihood or compromising their career advancement. America is built on diversity and tolerance, and this bill underscores that fundamental right in the workplace.?
The legislation (A-3451) expands the protections provided under the Law Against Discrimination to include protecting employees from losing promotions, retaining employment, or making a transfer based on the fact that the employee has specific religious obligations.
Employees taking time off for religious purposes would be allowed to make up time with the employer at a mutually convenient time or the employee would have an option to take a leave with pay. An employee would be ineligible for overtime or to receive premium benefits.
?This new law strikes a balance between employers and their employees,? said Schaer.
Violations for employers who discriminate against a worker for religious beliefs are subject to penalties under the Law Against Discrimination, which include fines up to $50,000 and other penalties.
By signing this legislation, the Governor has completed a three bill package sponsored by Assemblyman Schaer aimed at expanding the religious rights of all New Jerseyans. The other two pieces of legislation, one that prevents hospitals and other heath care facilities from requiring patients or family members to sign admission papers at times when their religious beliefs prohibit them from doing so and one mandating alternate testing dates for government-administered professional licensing exams be provided when such testing dates fall on a day of religious observance, were signed into law on December 20, 2007.
Assemblyman Schaer plans to introduce a new package of religious accommodation measures in the 213th legislative session which commenced on January 8th.
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6 Responses
I dont understand what the big deal is, i have been in hospitals on shabbos, and explained that i cant sign due to religous observance, and i never had a problem. Democrats just like to lesiglate everything, including common sense, and then go tote themselves to their special interest groups for all they have done. Seriously, what have you done for me lately Gary. Even as an orthodox Jew, i could not vote for a religous candidate if he is a democrat.
YEAH FOR SCHAER! YOUR PASSAIC FAN
I see that the good Assemblyman wants to introduce even more legislation next session.
I would urge him to be careful not to make these rules too burdensome for non-Jewish employers.
Otherwise, they may look for ways to avoid employing religious Jews.
Does this law extend to Physicians and Resident Physicians?
Looks like the Orthodox Jewish community of New Jersey finally has somebody on its side. Keep up the good work senator may Hashem bless you with Koach and Gezunt to be able to continue helping your people.
from the article: “An employee would be ineligible for overtime or to receive premium benefits”
someone please explain this to me.