Op-Ed Sparks Outrage Over Equal Pay Debate
Most of us thought the equal-pay-for-equal-work conversation was settled ages ago, right? Well, not for the Vice-Chair of the Wasatch County GOP in Utah, who recently wrote an op-ed that feels like a blast from the past—specifically, the 1950s.
In a piece published in both The Mountain Journal and the Wasatch Gazette, Thomas J. Bennett argues that “Equal pay for women has consequences.” For men.
He writes, “Traditionally, men have earned more than women in the workplace because they are seen as the primary breadwinners. They need to earn enough to support their families, allowing mothers to stay at home and nurture the children.” According to Bennett, if companies are required to pay women the same wages as men, they will inevitably lower men’s salaries—a notion he refers to as “simple economics.”
Not only does Bennett assume that every family thrives with a stay-at-home mom, but he also implies that every man is a cisgender individual with 2.5 kids, deserving of a higher paycheck than women, who he categorizes as either a) women neglecting their children for careers or b) single women who don’t deserve equal pay. If men and women receive equal pay for equal work—something that is mandated by federal law—Bennett warns that “men will struggle more to support their families, which could force more mothers into the workforce when they might prefer to stay home.”
He continues, suggesting that increasing the number of women in the workforce leads to heightened competition for jobs—“even men’s jobs,” which he fails to define. This, he claims, puts downward pressure on wages overall, further compelling mothers to leave their homes to contribute financially.
According to Bennett, this creates “a vicious cycle” that could harm families and society as a whole. Naturally, he advocates for “free market principles” to prevail, because when in doubt, just invoke the sacred free market.
He rambles on about how residents of Utah, a staunchly conservative state, are urging their lawmakers to reject the Equal Pay Bill. This bill, as reported by The Daily News, would commission a study on pay disparities between male and female workers in the state and require employers to establish criteria for performance-based raises. Clearly, this proposed legislation is a threat that must be squashed.
The backlash against Bennett was swift and intense. So swift that he resigned from his position with the county GOP and issued an apology. In a statement released by local news, he claimed he meant “no disrespect to women whatsoever,” though it seems others interpreted it differently. He acknowledged, “Women’s contributions in the workplace are just as valuable as anyone else’s.” Then he took the opportunity to brag about how he worked tirelessly so his wife could be a stay-at-home mom, attributing their children’s success to this traditional arrangement.
And just like that, he retreated back into his metaphorical time machine. If even the conservative state of Utah is pushing back against your views on women, maybe it’s time for a career change!
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Summary
A Utah GOP official, Thomas J. Bennett, sparked outrage with his op-ed arguing that equal pay for women is detrimental to men. His claims, which echo outdated gender norms, led to swift backlash and his resignation. The conversation surrounding equal pay remains contentious, highlighting the need for ongoing advocacy for gender equality in the workplace.