Lay off at Work

Where my husband works, they let go of 3 people today.
All 3 were men with families.
My husband and 2 others who are childfree, were not laid off.
My husband said he over heard 2 women, saying that my husband and the other 2 CF guys should have been laid off, because they work for something to do,and have no responsibilty ( meaning children). That it is not fair to let those with no real need for a job stay, while they lay off those who contribute to the community with a family.
My husband said he is probably going to get in trouble, because he popped his head over the cube and told those women that laying a person off based on family status is descrimination and lillegal. They shut the hell up, but seemed pissed because he pointed out the laws on family status are for every person, not just breeders.