Breastfeeding Anti-Discrimination Act Signed

Free to Feed in Michigan (excerpt from the Michigan Breastfeeding Network Alert, June 30, 2014)

Mothers who nurse their children in public will be protected from discrimination and prosecution under bipartisan legislation signed into law on June 24 by Governor Rick Snyder.

The “Breastfeeding Anti-Discrimination Act,” sponsored by state Sen. Rebekah Warren, gives women the right to nurse a child in any place that is open to the general public, including stores, restaurants and municipal buses.

Under the new anti-discrimination law, owners and operators cannot deny goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages or accommodations to a woman simply because she is breastfeeding. They also cannot post signs prohibiting public nursing.

Companion legislation will ensure that nursing mothers cannot be charged under state laws prohibiting indecent exposure or disorderly conduct.

Thanks to all who worked to make this step in the normalization ofbreastfeeding in Michigan happen!