Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that starting October 1, businesses are prohibited from charging a so called "pink tax," otherwise known as the practice of charging different prices for for men and women. For example, women's hair cuts and razor blades must now cost the same as men's hair cuts and blades.
The new measure requires certain service providers to provide price lists for standard services upon request and notifies them that gender-based price discrimination is prohibited under State law. Governor Cuomo said:
"New York is leading the nation in advancing women's rights and this milestone marks the latest step in New York's journey to break down barriers and put women on an equal playing field," "By abolishing the pink tax, women and girls will no longer be subject to harmful and unfair price discrimination and any businesses who fail to put an end to this despicable practice will be held accountable."
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul stated:
"Women and girls continue to face inequalities in many aspects of their daily lives, and it is unacceptable that they have to pay more than men for similar goods and services. Eliminating the pink tax helps put an end to gender-based pricing, ensure financial success and break down barriers for women. We do not tolerate discriminatory actions in our state, and we will continue to fight to eliminate the gender wage gap and achieve full equality and justice for all New Yorkers."
Yet, there are already businesses that are violating the so-called 'gender-based pricing law'. Mable's Smokehouse is advertising "Ladies Night" for October 7th. They list prices for ladies ONLY.
Many bars, restaurants and auto shops advertise discounts days for women. Any New York business doing this after October 1st could potentially be sued for sex discrimination using this law. Additionally, if New York blocks the law suit or tries to legally justify discrimination against men then the state is open for a class action sex discrimination lawsuit.
It remains unclear if Cuomo was trying to eliminate gender double standards or extended pink privilege in New York. If he is really interested in ending discrimination then a similar law should be created for the state's judicial system. Judges should be prohibited from issuing different sentencing terms for men and women who commit the same crime.
