This powerful federal law, often referred to as "Title VII," protects the rights of workers who have been discriminated against based upon a protected class. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.Historically, the VHRA only covered employers with more than 5 and up to 14 employees (up to 20 employees for age discrimination claims). For agerelated termination claims, the statute covers employers with between 6 and 19 employees. The new law adds sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and marital status as protected characteristics in employment. The ADA is a federal law that applies to employers with more than 15 employees and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with a disability. Historically, the VHRA only covered employers with more than 5 and up to 14 employees (up to 20 employees for age discrimination claims). Any paid sick leave not used in the year accrued must carry over to the following year. Like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Virginia Values Act generally covers employers with 15 or more employees. This law safeguards American workers from most forms of discrimination.