A Polish member of the European Parliament may be punished after he said that women should earn less than men because they are weaker, smaller and "less intelligent."
Janusz Korwin-Mikke, a radical right-winger who leads a marginal party, could face sanctions such as a reprimand, a fine or a temporary suspension.
An investigation has been opened under rules specifying that members must show mutual respect and refrain from "defamatory, racist or xenophobic language or behavior."
He said: "Of course women must earn less than men because they are weaker, they are smaller, they are less intelligent. They must earn less, that's all."
Spanish MEP Iratxe Garcia Perez angrily replied: "Look, according to your theory, I should not have the right to be here, as a member of this parliament."
Continued
European Parliament in sexism storm as lawmaker says women are too 'small, weak and unintelligent' for equal pay