Harassment related to religion or belief is illegal under the Equality Act 2010. Harassment is never lawful and religious or other belief does not justify harassment on any other ground including gender identity and sexual orientation.
Harassment related to religion or belief of an individual or a group can be because of:
- their religion
- that they have no religion
- that they have changed or renounce their religion their religious or philosophical belief
- their lack of any such belief
The following are some examples of activities that might constitute harassment related to religion or belief:
- teasing or mocking someone for holding a particular religion or belief
- persistently asking an individual intrusive questions about how they choose to observe their religion or belief
- ostracising someone because of their religion or belief
- failing to respect the religion or belief of another (i.e. by persistently offering inappropriate food and drink)
- persistent criticism of employee for not wearing appropriate uniform or dress