Chicago becomes the latest in a slew of cities to cease taxing supplies
On Wed. March 16, the Chicago City Council voted unanimously to remove the municipal tax on menstrual products, becoming one of the first major American cities to do so. Most states classify tampons, pads, and other supplies as “tangible personal properties” instead of necessities, and are therefore subject to both municipal and state taxation. Previously, menstrual products in Chicago were subjected to both a 9 per cent state and a 1.25 per cent city sales tax. The 1.25 per cent city tax is called the “luxury tax” and only applies to items deemed nonessential. Now, classified as “medical necessities,” menstrual products will only be affected by the state tax. Removing the rest of the tax would require intervention at the state level.
Still, Chicago’s decision has thrust them into the international spotlight as debates regarding the taxation of “feminine” supplies have sparked across the globe. Advocates for tax removal say that the tax on menstrual products amount to a penalty against those who have periods. Menstrual products are basic necessities that only menstruating individuals have to buy; for many, “free-bleeding” is simply not an option.
[pullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]…a penalty against those who have periods.[/pullquote]
Five women in New York recently filed a lawsuit claiming that the taxation on menstrual supplies is unconstitutional. They have accused the state of double standards in terms of needs vs wants and gender discrimination. They are seeking to put an end to the tax and force the state to pay compensation to the estimated 5 million menstruating individuals who potentially pay for the products.
Currently, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Minnesota have removed the tax and several other states, including Illinois, are considering the same. Canada rescinded taxation on menstrual supplies in July of 2015, following a motion put forward by the NDP.
Some argue that the taxation on tampons and pads is part of a systemic problem. The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs released a study claiming that products marketed to women cost more than products marketed to men 42 per cent of the time. The report concludes that over a lifetime, the “pink tax” could easily cost a woman thousands of dollars. The products that cost more to women encompass all kinds and all aspects of life. The study found that a popular children’s bike helmet cost twice as much for “girls,” the only difference being the colour. Some claim that women’s products, especially clothing, require more skilled trimmings or require more fabric. The study refuted that, citing that a men’s back brace, which required much more plastic, fabric, and reinforcements, was four dollars cheaper than the women’s version.
Menstrual cycles have adverse affects on individuals across the globe. Homeless individuals have the added stress of needing to pay for or fabricate menstrual products every month, some individuals have difficulty paying for products, and still more have limited to no access of supplies. The absence of products is particularly devastating in countries where menstruation is considered a shameful act. Young students are often forced to stay at home if menstruating for weeks out of the school year. Menstruation needs to stop being a financial and societal burden.