Gender equality has long been an issue not only in the U.S., but around the world. Back in April 2014, senate Republicans voted against equal pay for men and women— an unthinkable act of discrimination in this era.

Even though the bill was voted against back in April, it continues to be a contentious topic. Considering that the average working woman in America earns around 70 cents for every dollar that a man earns in the same job, working the same amount of hours, it’s confusing as to how this is still an issue. Republicans have said that the bill that was presented was redundant, according to the New York Times. If it was redundant, we would not have the need to present a bill to close the pay gap.

The bill, called the Paycheck Fairness Act, would remove the illegality of discussing wages in the workplace and require workplaces to submit what they pay employees to the Equal Opportunity Commission. This would bring transparency to workers’ pay and allow workers who are in the same or similar position to others in their company or workplace to demand fair and equal pay, regardless of gender, beliefs or any other discriminatory levels.

Equality is not a cat-and-mouse game for political parties to play. It should not be a ploy to win votes or to gain investment and capital for their parties. It is not about more women being Democrats or males being conservative. It is not something to employ stereotypes to garner support.

Everyone should be allowed the opportunity to receive equal pay, regardless of one’s gender, regardless if one decides to have a child, regardless of anything that could impact pay unfairly. It’s 2014. It’s time we see equal opportunity and equal pay in the workplace. We shouldn’t have to plead, beg or protest.

Editorials in the “In the Loop” section reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, comprised of five editors.