California Tampon Tax: WE WANT YOU OUT!
California Tampon Tax: WE WANT YOU OUT!
Why this petition matters
Each year, Californian menstruators are taxed over $20 MILLION on tampons and pads, yet jockstraps, Viagra, spermicidal condoms and candy bars are exempted from sales tax. According to California law, menstrual products are deemed non-essential goods and taxed at 8.25%, thereby implying that menstrual hygiene is unnecessary -- a luxury. MENSTRUAL HYGIENE IS NOT A PRIVILEGE, IT IS A RIGHT.
For the average consumer, this tax can become burdensome, as menstruators are already expected to pay an average of $7 a month on menstrual products, not including other menstrual care expenses. California has the nation’s highest poverty rate, with 14.3% of Californians lacking sufficient income for basic needs.
It is almost guaranteed that half of this population menstruates, and the tampon tax only adds unwarranted pressure for these individuals. Menstrual products are essential, and menstruators will nevertheless buy them to maintain menstrual hygiene. It does not make sense that menstruators are being taxed for something that they have no choice but to buy.
The Tampon Tax exists in 35 states and remains the only gender-specific tax that exists in the country. Our hope is to eliminate this tax one state at a time, which would be a huge step in achieving gender equality and opening up the conversation on menstrual hygiene. As fellow citizens, menstruators and non-menstruators alike, we have the responsibility to note injustice and act upon it. We cannot allow people to pay a luxury tax for a natural bodily function.
We are calling on the California Legislature to introduce new legislation to exempt menstrual products from sales tax and we’re asking the newly elected Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, to pledge to sign it - we need your help to do so. Our goal is 300,000 signatures.
Sign this petition, share it with your friends, and join the Menstrual Movement in creating change for millions of menstruators and demanding systemic change towards gender equality.
Sign this petition, share it with your friends, and join the Menstrual Movement in creating change for millions of menstruators and demanding systemic change towards gender equality.
ABOUT US
PERIOD is the largest youth-run NGO in women’s health in the world. We provide and celebrate menstrual hygiene through service, education, and policy — through the global distribution of period products to those in need, and engagement of youth leadership through a nationwide network of campus chapters. In the last three years, we have addressed almost 400,000 periods and have registered over 200 campus chapters at universities and high schools in the United States and abroad.
*Note: petition was edited on 11/12 to reflect the election of Gavin Newsom, correct amount of tax from 7.25 to 8.25%, change the examples of items which are exempt from tax, and adjust the number of states with a tampon tax from 36 to 35.
Decision Makers
- California State Senate
- California State House
- California Governor
- Gavin NewsomCalifornia Governor-elect