Client Alert

Puerto Rico Enacts Religious Freedom Act

By: Angel Berberena, Esq.



April 21, 2025



On April 13, 2025, the Governor of Puerto Rico signed into law Act No. 14-2025, known as the Fundamental Right to Religious Freedom Act of Puerto Rico. The statute recognizes and protects the right to religious freedom. It impacts various sectors, including education, healthcare, and workplace practices. While the law primarily applies to government agencies and public employees, its broader workplace policy implications may affect the private employment sector, particularly in how employers address religious expression in the workplace.

The new law affirms that religious freedom is a fundamental right already protected under the Puerto Rico and U.S. Constitutions, and antidiscrimination statutes. Some of its key provisions include:

• Enhanced rights based on religious freedoms.
• The right of public employees to request reasonable accommodations to observe or practice their religion.
• Prohibitions on religious discrimination.
• Protections for faith-based organizations.

Although Act 14-2025 does not impose direct legal obligations on private employers, it may influence how religious accommodation requests (e.g., prayer breaks, religious attire, time off, refusal of specific tasks) are made and handled in the private sector. See Client Alert on Religious Accommodations for additional details.

In addition, Act 14-2025 may shape legal expectations regarding how private employers should manage religious expression in the workplace and could increase the likelihood of religious discrimination claims.

Private employers are encouraged to proactively manage risk and align with emerging norms by: reviewing and updating anti-discrimination policies and to explicitly include religion as a protected category; develop clear procedures for handling religious accommodation requests; train managers and HR personnel on how to address religious issues in a respectful and lawful manner; and maintain thorough documentation of any decisions related to religious accommodation or practices in the workplace.

Goldman Antonetti & Córdova, LLC stands ready to assist you and your business to adjust to Puerto Rico's regulatory and legal changes. If you need further assistance in this area, please contact any of the following members of our Firm:

Disclaimer: Although the information included in this document may concern legal issues, it is not a legal opinion or professional advice and clients shall not use it as such. We assume no responsibility or liability of any kind for any information contained herein, and we expressly disclaim all liability for any claim for damages arising from the use, reference to, or reliance on, such information. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.