The policy isn't specifically illegal as far as I know.
It can potentially be illegal due to the subjective nature of approving and denying request. For example if someone gets approval for a religious event, but you get denied for a secular event. Any favoritism towards a protected class makes this policy illegal. Proving it in court is difficult unless you have a smoking gun.
If it were me my request would always be "for a religious event." No I'm not giving more details. I need time off for a religious event. Deny or approved?
But you're not me, so it may be the hill to sacrifice your income stability on.
The policy isn't specifically illegal as far as I know.
It can potentially be illegal due to the subjective nature of approving and denying request. For example if someone gets approval for a religious event, but you get denied for a secular event. Any favoritism towards a protected class makes this policy illegal. Proving it in court is difficult unless you have a smoking gun.
If it were me my request would always be "for a religious event." No I'm not giving more details. I need time off for a religious event. Deny or approved?
But you're not me, so it may be the hill to sacrifice your income stability on.