DOL expands religious exemption from EEO laws to federal contractors even if closely-held corporations

Continuing to expand on religious exemptions from EEO laws recognized by both the Supreme Court and itself, the DOL has expanded, in a final rule applicable to federal contractors, the religious exemption to now include even closely-held corporations so long as the company qualifies as a religious organization.

To qualify as religious a corporation, association, educational institution, society, school, college, university, or institution of learning may, or may not: have a mosque, church, synagogue, temple, or other house of worship; or be supported by, be affiliated with, identify with, or be composed of individuals sharing, any single religion, sect, denomination, or other religious tradition.

As an example, the DOL gives, in its rule, a small business that makes candlesticks for churches:

41 CFR 60-1.3(4)(i)(A) Example. A closely held for-profit manufacturer makes and sells metal candlesticks and other decorative items. The manufacturer’s mission statement asserts that it is committed to providing high-quality candlesticks and similar items to all of its customers, a majority of which are churches and synagogues. Some of the manufacturer’s items are also purchased by federal agencies for use during diplomatic events and presentations. The manufacturer regularly consults with ministers and rabbis regarding new designs to ensure that they conform to any religious specifications. The manufacturer also advertises heavily in predominantly religious publications and donates a portion of each sale to charities run by churches and synagogues.