Problem NIP at Barnes & Noble Albany, NY - Page 3

[FillingMyQuiver]

Originally Posted by mamajake

You're doing a great job. The second paragraph of the section you cite is the state equivalent of the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. And, no, it doesn't mention breastfeeding but I think it is huge "duh!" because lactation is clearly a condition related to childbirth. However, federal case law held that breastfeeding/lactation is *not* related to childbirth (!!??). So since the Virginia legislature has clarified that breastfeeding discrimination is pregnancy discrimination with regard to employment in the section we discussed earlier, the same should be true with regard to public accommodations. The same term should have the same meaning. It isn't a slam dunk but I would make the argument.

So, if a VA mom was confronted by a store manager or restaurant owner and told stop BFing or "cover up" or else they'd be asked to leave, would it be okay for the mom to say that they were violating her rights under the VAHRA?

ETA~ I appreciate you entertaining my questions and helping me figure this out. I'm fairly confident in my reactions to those questioning me NIP, but I'd like to have things to arm thos mamas who aren't so confident.

[mama2mygirl]

Originally Posted by CalaRei

I love the little room at Babys R Us! My boys get so cranky when we're out and I can only nurse one at a time - I only do that when hubby's around to hold the other. So it's nice to have a dedicated room that's comfortable and secluded for me to tandem. I understand I have every right to do that in public, too, but I just can't bring myself to be able to.

Anyhow, WOO! Thanks for standing up so forcefully on the subject. I surely would've just gotten flustered!!

I *LOVE* that little room. Especially when dd2 was a preemie and it was so difficult to get her latched. I like my privacy.

OP--good kick thinking!

[mamajake]

Originally Posted by FillingMyQuiver

So, if a VA mom was confronted by a store manager or restaurant owner and told stop BFing or "cover up" or else they'd be asked to leave, would it be okay for the mom to say that they were violating her rights under the VAHRA?

ETA~ I appreciate you entertaining my questions and helping me figure this out. I'm fairly confident in my reactions to those questioning me NIP, but I'd like to have things to arm thos mamas who aren't so confident.

No harm in saying it. The question is what should she do if the owner insists she leave. If a mom is told she is now a trespasser and the police will be called, how she responds is up to her. I always fear the trauma to mom and baby of having confrontations with police. However if she is asked to leave even after telling the owner what she believes her right to be, then filing a VAHRA complaint seems the way to go. No guarantee the claim will succeed but Virginia mothers won't know until one mother tries.