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Rep. Tami Green, serving the 28th District Serving DuPont, Fircrest, University Place, Lakewood, Steilacoom, Tillicum, West Tacoma, and Anderson, Ketron and McNeil Islands. |
New law makes breastfeeding in public a mother’s civil right
Rep. Green’s legislation addresses discrimination statewide
April 22, 2009
OLYMPIA – Countering discrimination against women who breastfeed in public, Rep. Tami Green (D-Lakewood) introduced legislation this session to fight for rights that will impact mothers statewide.
After passing the House and Senate unanimously, Rep. Tami Green’s (D-Lakewood) House Bill 1596 was signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire today.
“This new law will eliminate one more obstacle that women are faced with day in and day out,” Green said. “I’m proud to say that both women and children statewide will benefit from this legislation. Breastfeeding is one of the healthiest options for children within their first year of life, and we should make it easier for mothers to do what’s best for their babies.”
House Bill 1596 declares that breastfeeding in public is a mother’s civil right, subject to the state’s discrimination law. Under the current law, women in Washington cannot be arrested for indecency while breastfeeding. However, these women are not protected from being asked to leave public places and feed their children in a bathroom or another private establishment.
The bill protects a woman's right to breastfeed in a place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement. This includes places such as shopping malls, restaurants and even hospitals. Women will be able to file a complaint with the state’s human rights commission in response to discriminatory treatment.
The bill will take effect approximately three months after the adjournment of session.
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Contact: Rep. Tami Green (360) 786-7958;
green.tami@leg.wa.gov
Downloadable photo:
http://leg.wa.gov/documents/House/Members/Photos/Green.jpg
Staff Contact: Jamie Badilla (360) 786-7255;
Badilla.jamie@leg.wa.gov
Radio and TV News Directors: To obtain broadcast-quality audio on these issues, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact House Democratic Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.