Georgia § 34-5-3 - Prohibition of discriminatory wage differentials; penalty for discharge of or discrimination against complainant.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 34-5-3 — Prohibition of discriminatory wage differentials; penalty for discharge of or discrimination against complainant., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-5-3. Prohibition of discriminatory wage differentials; penalty for discharge of or discrimination against complainant.
No employer having employees subject to any provisions of this chapter shall discriminate, within any establishment in which such employees are employed, between employees on the basis of sex by paying wages to employees in such establishment at a rate less than the rate at which he pays wages to employees of the opposite sex in such establishment for equal work in jobs which require equal skill, effort, and responsibility and which are performed under similar working conditions, except where such payment is made pursuant to (1) a seniority system, (2) a merit system, (3) a system which measures earnings by quantity or quality of production, or (4) a differential based on any other factor other than sex. An employer who is paying a wage rate differential in violation of this subsection shall not, in order to comply with this subsection, reduce the wage rate of any employee. It shall also be unlawful for any person to cause or attempt to cause an employer to discriminate against any employee in violation of this chapter. It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any employee covered by this chapter because such employee has made a complaint to his employer or any other person or has instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this chapter or has testified or is about to testify in any such proceedings. Any person who violates any provision of this Code section shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not to exceed $100.00. (Ga. L. 1966, p. 582, §§ 3, 8.)
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 34-5-3
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 34-5-3 cover?
Section 34-5-3 ("Prohibition of discriminatory wage differentials; penalty for discharge of or discrimination against complainant.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 34-5-3?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 34-5-3" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 34-5-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.