“Equal Pay For Women Act” Falls In Both Chambers Of Louisiana Legislature

The "Equal Pay for Women Act" is now dead for the session. Louisiana Senator Karen Peterson says her legislation is designed to put employers on notice that discriminatory wage practices based on gender would not be tolerated. The measure sought to make it "crystal clear" that women who perform similar jobs as men are paid the same.

Louisiana Senator Neil Riser voted against it after hearing testimony that there is already laws in place. Senator Jack Donahue voted against the bill after a supporter failed to provide evidence that gender wage discrimination exists.

Senator Donahue: "My question is: Do men and women in teacher's union make equal pay?"

Supporter: "Yes."

Senator Donahue: "I thought that they did."

Peterson's bill was rejected by the Louisiana Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee by a 5 to 3 vote. A similar bill was killed by the Louisiana House Labor Committee last week.