Section 181-2-1 - Purpose, applicability, and relationship to other lawsa.Purpose. The purpose of this part is to promote equal opportunity for apprentices and applicants for apprenticeship in registered apprenticeship programs by prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), genetic information, and disability. This Chapter also prescribes affirmative action efforts sponsors must take to ensure equal opportunity for apprentices and applicants for apprenticeship. The rules set forth the equal opportunity obligations of sponsors, the contents of the affirmative action programs, procedures for the filing and processing of complaints, and enforcement procedures. These rules also establish procedures for deregistration of an apprenticeship for noncompliance with MRS Title 26, § 3206, and prescribe the equal opportunity requirements for recognition of State Apprenticeship Agencies (SAAs) under Federal regulations 29 CFR 29.b.Applicability. This Chapter applies to all sponsors of apprenticeship with programs registered with the Maine Apprenticeship Program.c.Relationship to other laws. This part does not invalidate or limit the remedies, rights, and procedures under any Federal or State laws, or political subdivisions of any State or jurisdiction that provides greater or equal protection for individuals based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), genetic information or disability than are afforded by this Chapter. It may be a defense to a charge of a violation of this part that a challenged action is required or necessitated by another Federal law or regulation, or that another Federal law or regulation prohibits an action that would otherwise be required by this Chapter.