Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski July 16 signed SB 786a, known as the Oregon Workplace Religious Freedom Act, which requires employers to reasonably accommodate religious practices of employees.

The law allows employees to wear religious clothing and take time off for a religious practice. Types of accommodations under the new law include shift changes to accommodate religious observances and the granting of permission to wear religious jewelry or clothing if it does not create an undue hardship on the employer.

One exception to the law is that public schools may prohibit teachers from wearing religious clothing while teaching. The law becomes effective January 1, 2010.