I have to be married to take maternity leave!

[missylou9]

My boss made the statement to me that I wasn't married so I couldn't take maternity leave. Doesn't this statement form some sort of harassment? Considering I am not married? At the time he made this statement in the office he had said it in front of a co-worker who was going out on maternity leave who is not married. She was also offended by this remark. Any comments helpful. Thanks

 

[Beth3]

One stupid comment does not equate to harassment.

Laws that entitle you to leave time (i.e. the FMLA) and benefits your employer elects to offer are not predicated on your being married and since this unmarried co-worker is going out on maternity leave, obviously the employer is not unlawfully denying her FMLA or related leave.