Discrimination because of religion or belief

Summary

It is against the law to discriminate against you because of your religion or belief. This applies: You are protected by law from discrimination because of your religion or belief if you: * belong to an organised religion such as Christianity, Judaism or Islam * have a profound belief which affects your way of life or view of the world. This includes religious and philosophical beliefs, or a lack of belief, such as Atheism * belong to a smaller religion or sect, such as Scientology or Rastafarianism * have no religion, for example, if you are an atheist. The law against discrimination because of religion or belief does not cover purely political beliefs unless they are also philosophical beliefs. You are protected if someone discriminates against you because they think you are a certain religion, when you are not. For example, it's against the law for someone to discriminate against you for wearing a headscarf because they think you are a Muslim, even if you are not actually Muslim. Discrimination by association is also against the law. For example, it is against the law to refuse to let you into a restaurant because of the religion of someone who is with you. It is discrimination.

Key information

• belong to an organised religion such as Christianity, Judaism or Islam
• have a profound belief which affects your way of life or view of the world. This includes religious and philosophical beliefs, or a lack of belief, such as Atheism
• take part in collective worship
• belong to a smaller religion or sect, such as Scientology or Rastafarianism
• have no religion, for example, if you are an atheist.
• refusing you a bank loan because you're Jewish
• refusing to allow you into a restaurant because you're Muslim
• dismissing you from work because you're Rastafarian.
• refusing to allow you into a restaurant if you're wearing a hijab or turban
• requiring all your employees to dress in a particular way if this means they can’t wear an item of clothing they regard as part of their faith.
• whatever your religion or belief
• whatever your employer's religion or belief

Practical guidance

• Source: Discrimination because of religion or belief

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