The FMLA was passed to balance the demands of the work place with the needs of families, to promote the stability and economic security of families, and to promote national interests in preserving family integrity. The FMLA is enforced by the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor.
Many states have enacted their own fair employment practices laws. Many of these states have prohibitions against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disabilities. Other state laws prohibit additional types of employment discrimination such as discrimination because of arrest record, political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, color blindness and unfavorable military discharge. Additionally, legislation regulating the employment of immigrants has also been enacted by some states.
