Government to legislate on breastfeeding

Updated 13.12 Tue Jun 12 2007
Keywords: discrimination, women, breastfeeding, government

The Government is to propose that British women should have the legal right to breastfeed in public as part of a series of anti-discrimination measures contained in a new Bill.

It proposes that mothers should no longer be stopped from breastfeeding on public transport or asked to leave restaurants and shops.

Until now ministers have been reluctant to follow the lead set by Scotland, which made it illegal to bar women from breastfeeding, but mother-of-four Ms Kelly has decided to consult the public on the matter

The proposal will be unveiled by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly when she launches consultation on a Single Equality Bill to simplify and modernise current legislation.

The Bill, which will form a centrepiece of Gordon Brown's government, would prevent golf clubs from treating female players and wives as "second-class citizens".

It would clarify the rights of gay people, the disabled and older people and propose that discrimination courts be set up at county level to enforce the law.

The new law would protect women who "discreetly" breastfeed children under the age of one in public places like cafes and museums.

Until now ministers have been reluctant to follow the lead set by Scotland, which made it illegal to bar women from breastfeeding, but mother-of-four Ms Kelly has decided to consult the public on the matter.

Britain's breastfeeding rates are among the worst in Europe, though research shows even a few weeks of the practice gives babies irreplaceable protection from disease.

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