New York State Bans “Pink Tax,” Ending Gender-Based Price Disparities

Starting this week, businesses in New York State cannot charge different prices for the same products based on which gender they’re marketed to, New York Gov. Cuomo announced.

In April, the Governor signed the FY 2021 New York State Budget which included the proposal to ban the “Pink Tax,” making gender-based price discrimination prohibited under State law. Businesses that violate the law will be subject to civil penalties.

“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,” Governor Cuomo said. “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.”

Numerous studies have demonstrated how the “pink tax” charges women more than men substantially similar goods including deodorant, perfume, and other consumer products and services. The central conclusion is that the version marketed towards women costs more than the same product offered to men.

A New York City Department of Consumer Affairs study found that hair care products cost women 48 percent more than men. Overall, personal care products cost an average of 13 percent more for women than those for men.

Recently, states have specifically targeted one form of the pink tax, the “tampon tax.” Menstrual products are subject to sales taxes in 35 states, The New York Times reported.

According to NPR, as of 2018, Minnesota, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida have all outlawed the tampon tax. Sales taxes on menstrual products have also been removed in other countries such as Canada and Malaysia.

“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,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “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.”

Learn about the problem with the pink tax.

Sign this petition to end the pink tax nationwide.

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