A law that would have required private businesses to pay equal wages to men and women workers who performed the same duties was rejected by the Louisiana House on Thursday. Senate Bill 254 was defeated by a 10-5 vote. The bill was mainly opposed by the business community who claimed it would place a burden on employers, despite the fact that in 2014 Louisiana had the largest pay gap in the country. The bill had been passionately supported by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, who testified for the bill during the session.
See "Louisiana House rejects equal pay bill backed by John Bel Edwards", Julia O'Donoghue, NOLA.com, May 20, 2016