Pennsylvania Republican state Rep. Scott Barger has said that he might not hire a middle-aged woman if he thought menopause-related accommodations at work would bring extra responsibilities for an employer.
His remarks came during a meeting of the Pennsylvania House Labor & Industry Committee. The discussion focused on House Bill 2135, which aims to introduce the Menopause and Perimenopause Workplace Protections and Accommodations Act.
While discussing the bill, Barger called the possible requirements “a hassle. A real hassle.” He then spoke about his own experience as an employer and how he evaluated potential employees.
Barger said employers do not always make hiring decisions based only on a person’s talent or qualifications. He said they can also consider the “problems” that may come with hiring someone.
He then compared two hypothetical applicants: a woman in her mid-40s and a man in his mid-40s.
Barger acknowledged that employers are not allowed to discriminate. But he argued that legislation like HB 2135 could still affect hiring decisions.
“With this kind of legislation hanging over their head,” Barger said, employers could “find a reason not to hire the woman.” “They just will,” he added.
Barger then made the point personal. “I would. I would.”
Barger represents Pennsylvania’s 80th House District. He also sits on the Labor & Industry Committee.
Internet Reacts to Pennsylvania Lawmaker’s Menopause Hiring Remarks
Barger’s comments were later highlighted in an X post by @jjabbott. The remarks drew strong reactions online.
One commenter wrote, “Guess he was hatched as a mother would have taught him, right.” Another said, “Republicans are so anti-women.”
A third wrote, “He’s about 50 years old, so his hormone levels are also dropping. He’s going through womenopause, and by his rule, clearly should not be in his government job anymore.”
Others raised legal and health points. One asked, “So he just admitted to illegal discrimination?” while another wrote, “How about men’s midlife crisis? That’s as real as menopause.”
Another commenter wrote, “Nothing to see here…just another fragile, *expletive* man revealing he is absolutely unqualified to serve the public.”
HB 2135 would require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees and prospective employees dealing with pregnancy- or menopause-related conditions. An employer could refuse an accommodation if it created an undue hardship.
The bill lists several possible accommodations. These include additional breaks, modified work schedules, temporary transfers, seating, and light-duty work. It would also prohibit employers from denying employment opportunities because an employee or prospective employee requested such an accommodation.
The bill was reported out of the House Labor & Industry Committee on September 29. The vote was 14-12. It then moved forward for consideration by the full House.
