I disagree with that assertion, and I’ve seen this play out many times, with that nearly exact statement being the opening salvo. I will not engage and be drawn into a political debate that never ends well for anybody.

There is plenty of evidence concerning the difference between a blanket comparison of gross pay by gender vs pay comparisons in the same field of work - and I leave it to anybody who is curious to seek out that evidence on their own and draw their own conclusions.

Note my original question was not refuted, but justification was given.