NY Expands Pay Equity Law On Day Honoring US Soccer Team

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state has expanded a state law prohibiting gender pay discrimination, making it illegal to pay someone less based on factors such as their race, religion or gender identity.

The new law also changes a legal standard for pay equity to make it easier for employees to prove discrimination in court.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the changes into law Wednesday in Manhattan, just before joining the U.S. women's soccer team for a parade honoring their World Cup victory. Cuomo says he supports the women players demanding equal pay as male players.

Democratic Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins says the women's team's lesser pay is highlights a fundamental economic problem facing women throughout society.

Cuomo also signed legislation Wednesday barring employers from demanding prospective workers' salary histories.