New York Prohibits Mandatory Religious or Political Meetings

New York has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 4982), which protects employees who refuse to attend employer-sponsored meetings on religious or political matters, and/or refuse to listen to or view employer communications on religion or political matters. Senate Bill 4982 is effective immediately.

The details

Employee Protections

Senate Bill 4982 prohibits employers from discriminating or retaliating against employees who refuse to:

• Attend a meeting sponsored by their employer (or a designee), when the primary purpose is to address matters relating to:
• Listen to speech or view communications that have the primary purpose of communicating an employer’s opinion concerning religious or political matters.

Exceptions

Under the law, the following employer actions are allowed:

• Casual conversations with employees or between an employee and an agent, representative or designee of an employer, if participation in the conversations is not required.
• Communications to managers and supervisors without hindrance; and
• Communications required by law that are necessary for employees to perform work.

Additionally, the law:

• Allows higher educational institutions to communicate regarding academic programs or coursework; and
• Exempts religious entities or educational institutions that are exempt from Title VII with respect to the restrictions on religious speech.

Notice Requirement

Employers must post a notice informing employees of their rights under the law in every workplace where notices are normally posted.

Next steps

Consider consulting legal counsel if you have questions on your company’s compliance with Senate Bill 4982.