There are two things that spring out instantly. First, the motivation is to close gender pay inequality. Assuming such a thing exists (women get paid less for

There are two things that spring out instantly. First, the motivation is to close gender pay inequality. Assuming such a thing exists (women get paid less for the same job), where is the evidence that this policy would reduce the supposed gap? Second, they're prohibiting you from asking, not prohibiting employers from not choosing you for failing to answer with the truth. It's part of negotiation. Would it be legal to ask "what's the least amount of money we can give you for you to accept the job?" (Which, btw, is the question they're indirectly asking you.) Why are they trying to outlaw negotiation skills for a somewhat unproven premise and an unclear cause and effect relationship?