The organisation where I work is committed to equality and diversity. This being the case, employees of various religions are allowed certain days off which are important to their religion. I'm not saying this shouldn't be the case; however, I would argue against its being fair or it being placed under the banner of "equality". If employees are to be allowed to take certain days off, shouldn't this apply to everyone? I follow no religion and am, I feel, being discriminated against.

To be truly equal, shouldn't the Government introduce employment legislation which states that all employees can take 5 days off a year of their choosing. I'm not saying that religious festivals are not important. I'm certainly not saying that I do not respect the rights of others to practice their religion. I am saying, however, that it is unfair for my employer to assume that a particular individual's need to take a day off to celebrate a festival outweighs, for example, my need to be in attendance at my son's sports day. Personally, I believe that my feelings for my family are as strong as others' feelings towards their religion.

Yes, let's promote equality. But the definition of the term means that it needs to include everyone. Some groups cannot be more equal than others.

Learn more about this author, Steve Martin.
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