Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ)

It is a legal exception to the employment discrimination laws that allow employers to hire and employ individuals based on their religion, sex, or national origin if it is reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business or enterprise. This exception applies only in limited circumstances where the employer can demonstrate that a particular characteristic is essential to the job. For example, a religious organization may require its employees to share the same religious beliefs as the Organization to maintain its religious mission.