Discrimination on the basis of religion is the unfair treatment of individuals or groups due to their particular religious beliefs, practices, or affiliation—or lack thereof. It operates through a multifaceted continuum ranging from subtle social biases to systemic exclusion and violent persecution.
1. Interpersonal and Social Manifestations
At a daily level, religious discrimination often starts with interpersonal bias.
Social Exclusion: This includes being ignored by colleagues, excluded from community activities, or being the target of "religious microaggressions," such as jokes about religious garments.
Harassment and Bullying: Persistent verbal abuse or teasing—often seen in schools—frequently targets children wearing religious attire like hijabs, turbans, or yarmulkes.
Stereotyping: Media portrayals can reinforce negative perceptions, framing certain religions as "threats" to national culture, which legitimizes individual-level biases.
2. Institutional and Economic Barriers
Institutional discrimination occurs when organizational policies or standard practices disadvantage specific religious groups.
Employment Discrimination: This is one of the most common forms, manifesting as being passed over for promotion, receiving unfair evaluations, or even being fired because of one's faith. It also includes refusing "reasonable accommodations," such as flexible shifts for Sabbath observance or prayer breaks.
Indirect Discrimination: Organizations may set "neutral" policies that disproportionately harm certain believers, such as workplace dress codes that forbid head coverings or facial hair.
Access to Services: Individuals may be denied housing, refused bank loans, or receive inferior healthcare based on their religious identity.
3. Systemic and State-Level Discrimination
Government-led discrimination is often the most severe form, turning religious identity into a tool of political control.
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Legal Restrictions: States may enforce "blasphemy laws" to silence religious minorities or non-believers. Some countries restrict specific practices, such as public proselytizing or building new places of worship.
Political Exclusion: In some nations, religious minorities are constitutionally barred from holding high public office, such as the presidency or prime ministership.