TRENTO, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has signed an executive order aimed at promoting gender pay equality.

The Democrat signed the order in Trenton on Tuesday just hours after his inauguration at an event packed by labor and Planned Parenthood supporters.

The order prohibits state government from asking prospective employees about their payment history until a job offer has been made. Murphy declined to answer questions about the order but said he hopes to sign similar legislation soon.

Murphy says asking about salary histories perpetuates the wage gap between men and women by allowing employers to offer lower salaries to women.

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