California Push to Seat More Women on Boards Ruled Unlawful (2)

California’s landmark requirement that corporate boards include women was ruled unconstitutional.

The first-in-the-nation mandate, signed into law in 2018, was struck down by a Los Angeles state court judge Friday following a trial. The ruling was posted on the court’s website Monday.

Superior Court Judge Maureen Duffy-Lewissaid she wasn’t persuaded by California’s argument that more women on corporate boards would boost the economy or that the state could legally rectify historical discrimination with the legislation.

“In support of women in the boardroom, the defense offered the testimony of stereotypical virtues of women such as ‘consensus builders’ and ‘less risky ...