Duval Times

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ted Budd (R-NC) have publicly criticized the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for its new guidance on harassment in the workplace. The senators argue that the guidance undermines free speech and religious liberty protections established in federal law.

In a letter addressed to EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows and Vice Chair Jocelyn Samuels, Rubio and Budd express their concern about the proposed enforcement guidance. They contend that the guidance "weaponizes antidiscrimination laws" and suppresses free speech and religious liberty in the workplace. The senators argue that the EEOC's interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is unconstitutional and infringes on the rights of Americans with religious convictions.

The senators take issue with the EEOC's view that the expression of religious beliefs can create a "hostile work environment" and that religious liberty protections do not apply to controversial subjects such as abortion and pronoun use. Rubio and Budd highlight the guidance's argument that "misgendering" is hostile and prohibited speech, stating that it employs convoluted logic. They emphasize that millions of faithful Americans believe that biological sex and gender are interconnected, and that the EEOC is attempting to silence these views to appease left-wing activists.

Rubio and Budd also criticize the EEOC's proposed guidance for running counter to religious liberty protections guaranteed by Title VII. They argue that the EEOC's interpretation of a "hostile work environment" undermines the right of religious Americans to express their beliefs, even if they are controversial or offensive to others.

The senators conclude their letter by urging the EEOC to withdraw the proposed guidance, stating that it is illegal, divisive, and out of touch with ordinary Americans.

The EEOC's proposed guidance has attracted significant attention due to its potential impact on free speech and religious liberty in the workplace. Critics argue that it gives federal bureaucrats the power to dictate which religious beliefs are acceptable and holds employers responsible for enforcing these beliefs. Supporters of the guidance, on the other hand, believe it is necessary to protect individuals from harassment and discrimination based on gender identity and other factors.

The debate over the EEOC's proposed guidance reflects the broader societal conversation about the balance between religious freedom and the rights of marginalized groups. As the issue continues to be discussed, it remains to be seen how the EEOC will respond to the concerns raised by Rubio, Budd, and others who oppose the guidance.

In the meantime, the letter from Rubio and Budd serves as a clear denouncement of the EEOC's guidance and a call for the protection of free speech and religious liberty in the workplace.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-budd-condemn-federal-guidelines-that-impose-wokeness-in-the-workplace/