The EEOC recently issued updated guidance regarding religious objections to COVID-19 vaccination requirements. This updated guidance, in the form of FAQs, addresses the circumstances under which employers may need to provide religious exemptions under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
NO “MAGIC WORDS” FOR REQUESTING RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS
As noted in the FAQs, employees do not need to use any “magic words” to request religious exemptions to a COVID-19 vaccine requirement. However, employees are required to explain the conflict between the vaccine requirement and their sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance. For employers’ reference, the EEOC shared the Religious Accommodation Request Form it uses with its own employees.
