Can I be fired for a using a pornographic website?
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Can I be fired for a using a pornographic website?
About 2 years ago I was exploring some on-line dating sites. I set up a few accounts and found that some of them were not for me. I did this on my home computer. One of which happened to be associated with a XXX rated site. I just never revisited the site and never even thought to delete the account, dumb. The other day I was called to my bosses office. She asked me if I was a member of a XXX rated site and having completely forgot about the above mentioned site i said “No”. She then showed me a print out with my picture and account information and asked “is this you?” I said “yes”. She said that because the company is Christian based she had to terminate me. Is this legal?
Asked on June 26, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Washington
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
In fact, yes, your employer's action was legal. Why? The fact is that the majority of employment arrangements are "at will". Therefore an employee can work for an employer or not, their choice. In turn, an employer can hire or fire an employee for any reason or no reason at all. Exceptions to this would be for the following: 1) if there is a union agreement that prohibits such action; 2) if there is an employee contract or company policy that does not allow for this; or 3) if discrimination is a factor.
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