Experts have said the Supreme Court may be set to review a standard set in 1977 on how far employers must go to accommodate a worker’s religious beliefs.
- Federal law requires employers to make “reasonable” accommodations for workers’ religious beliefs.
- Legal experts say the policies adopted by drugstore chains appear to be within the law.
- Debate on the issue has intensified since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.
WASHINGTON — The nation’s largest drugstore chains have come under scrutiny in recent weeks for policies that allow pharmacists to refuse to dispense a contraceptive if it conflicts with their religious or moral beliefs.
For the most part, experts say, the law is on their side.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires companies to accommodate workers’ religious beliefs as long as the request does not create “undue hardship” for the employer. How far employers should go is up for debate – but the Supreme Court has repeatedly signaled an interest in expanding religious rights, not limiting them.