Critical Thinking/Reflection - Women's Right To Equal Pay

I chose to discuss the topic of women's rights, specifically in relation to equal pay for women. The decision not to pass an equal pay bill in April is an example of human rights being omitted for women through policy. This research was really jarring for me to see. Its common knowledge that women are paid less than men for the same job however I was unaware that a bill to ensure equal pay - something so obviously against the right to equality between men and women - was so blatantly shot down. The reasons given to not pass this act are even more jarring, and overall paint a very sad picture. The Paycheck Fairness Act would have closed the gap that finds women making 77 cents for every dollar men earn. The bill would also have "made it illegal for employers to retaliate against workers who inquire about or disclose their wages or the wages of other employees in a complaint or investigation. It also would make employers subject to civil actions by employees who feel aggrieved. As part of the bill, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission would be required to collect pay information from employers." (Washington Post). 

How is this not already status quo? How is it possible that this is actually happening? The most ridiculous part of the whole story is the following: "Republicans have said that, although they support equal pay for equal work, the bill would increase civil lawsuits. They also say that the bill is unnecessary because discrimination based on gender is already illegal." The whole thing makes no sense to me and is a violation of women's human rights. If the bill is rejected and "unnecessary" because discrimination based on gender is already illegal how is it a reality that unequal pay between men and women already exists?? I have to be honest - this is why politics, policy and government in general are confusing and overwhelming to me. There's no clear cut answer. Are there even actual human rights if they aren't being enforced for all?

Sources:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/senate-republicans-reject-equal-pay-bill/2014/04/09/ce011342-c003-11e3-b574-f8748871856a_story.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/10/us/politics/senate-republicans-block-bill-on-equal-pay.html?_r=0