Is it legal for a company to have a blanket policy of rejecting applications from any person who has visible piercings or tattoos without finding out if the applicant can or is willing to cover them. I've been applying for jobs and always come into interviews with hide-its (small clear jewelry that hides piercings) and a long-sleeve dress shirt that covers my tattoos. However, with the advent of applying online I received multiple e-mails from different companies saying that they won't consider my application because I have tattoos and piercings (yes - it's a question on their application). Today I had an interview and wasn't able to cover one set of piercings and before the interview began I was told they wouldn't hire me because I had them and never gave me a chance to explain that they could be covered, etc. A supervisor walked in stated that they wouldn't hire me because I had piercings and walked out without further ado. This is a warehouse job where I am not interacting with customers. I have my piercings and tattoos for religious reasons and it seems to me that this is some form of discrimination. Is it legal?

Is it legal?

Most likely yes, having tattoos and piercings are not protected characteristics.

What religion REQUIRES you to be tattoed and pierced?

Can't you just take them out for the interviews if it's causing this much trouble?

It's not a requirement but it is a pagan practice. I have taken them out but when you're application is rejected online without getting a chance to explain they can be removed seems vastly unfair.

It's not a requirement but it is a pagan practice.

I don't see a religious accommodation angle given the above.

Not sure what else to tell you besides the obvious answer that these just may be the consequences of your decisions.

Someone else may have other suggestions.