The new Compliance Manual on Religious Discrimination provides guidance and instructions for Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigations and analysis of charges alleging discrimination based on religion. The information in its previous compliance manual on religious discrimination is rendered obsolete.

The 97-page manual covers the definition of what is a “religion,” including “sincerely held” beliefs, and employer inquiries into “religious nature or sincerity of belief” if a religious accommodation is requested. The EEOC has also issued a companion “best practices” guide for employers outlining policies that help in reducing or eliminating religious discrimination and harassment in the workplace.