California Passes Bill To Prevent Employment Discrimination Over Religious Hair Style or Dress

The California legislature last week passed and sent to the governor for his signature two related bills-- AB 1964 and AB 2386-- that together expand the definition of "religion" and related terms in the state's employment discrimination law to clarify the meaning of religious dress and grooming practices.  The amendment defines them broadly to include head or face coverings, jewelry, or artifacts, and all forms of head, facial, and body hair that are part of the individual's religious observance.  The amendments also provide that it is not a reasonable accommodation of an individual's religious dress or grooming practices to segregate the employee from other employees or the public.  (By their terms, both bill must be signed by the governor for either to become effective.)  IndiaWest reports that AB 1964 (the broader of the 2 bills) was supported by 18 civil rights organizations led by the Sikh Coalition. [Thanks to Don Byrd for the lead.]