Women file class-action lawsuit to fight New York tampon tax

A group of women has filed a class-action lawsuit accusing New York state's tax department of unlawfully taxing tampons and other feminine hygiene products.

The suit filed Thursday in state Supreme Court in Manhattan argues that medical items are exempt from sales tax in New Yok.

Court papers say foot powder, adult diapers and dandruff shampoo are exempt from tax. But the five women argue that some items used by women, including tampons and sanitary pads, are unlawfully taxed. Last month, legislators voted to uphold the tampon tax in Utah. It was eliminated in Pennsylvania and Minnesota.

A spokeswoman for Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he believes the tax should be repealed and will work to eliminate it.