AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 19 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EMPLOYER-SPONSORED MEETINGS OR COMMUNICATIONS.

Workers can refuse political or religious meetings

Delaware employers cannot require workers to join employer-sponsored meetings or communications mainly sharing the employer’s political or religious views. Political matters include parties, laws, regulations, public policy, elections, and joining or supporting political, civic, community, fraternal, or labor groups. Religious matters include beliefs, affiliation, practices, and membership in or support for religious groups. Exceptions cover communications required by law, wholly voluntary communications, and those needed to perform lawfully required job duties. Religious employers also have an exception for religious meetings or communications. Employers cannot threaten, fire, discipline, or otherwise punish workers for refusing covered communications or for good-faith reports of actual or suspected violations. Reports can come from workers or someone acting on their behalf. When Delaware’s Department brings an enforcement case over a covered violation, courts must fine employers $1,000 to $5,000 per violation. These fines are in addition to any damages the employer owes under the law.