Atlanta area city bans breastfeeding toddlers in public

[*MamaJen*]

This city in the Atlanta area apparently just passed a ban on breastfeeding children older than 2.

From the news story:

City manager John Parker called the law a proactive step.

“It sets up a process whereby we can try to control nudity throughout the entire city," Parker said.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/27920007/detail.html

God, just when it feels like we're making progress...

[lilbsmama]

WTH?

[BeesMilk]

I don't know about you guys, but I always strip down nude when I nurse my child in public!!!

[Logan's mommy]

I fail to see how breastfeeding, no matter the age of  the child = nudity. Next, they'll try to tell mothers of children under two that they can't NIP. Ridiculous.

[earth-mama]

Originally Posted by lilbsmama 

WTH?

I totally agree.  This is ridiculous!!

[abiyhayil]

how is that legal?

[keeperofthekeys]

WHAT! How does the age of the child have anything to do with whether or not BFing is considered nudity?  Really, if mom is showing skin, she's showing whether the kid is 3 months or 3 years!

[BonneS]

i've seen women showing more skin walking around in Atlanta than any Bf'ing mom ever exposed!

[CallMeMommy]

Um, what?  Georgia state law says a woman can breastfeed anywhere she's legally allowed, there's no age restriction.  Pretty sure cities can't pass laws or ordinances that are in direct violation of state law.

[philomom]

Edited because its on Fbook. There really should be a special bolding or color that tips us off.
Edited by philomom - 5/24/11 at 7:59am

[emilysometimes]

When are they going to outlaw Hooters Restaurants???

[*MamaJen*]

Originally Posted by CallMeMommy 

Um, what?  Georgia state law says a woman can breastfeed anywhere she's legally allowed, there's no age restriction.  Pretty sure cities can't pass laws or ordinances that are in direct violation of state law.

This is true. I may make a call to the Georgia AG.

[philomom]

Here's the contact info. I'm emailing him now.







Office of the City Manager
745 Forest Parkway
Forest Park, Ga. 30297
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

John Parker, City Manager
Email address - [e-mail]
Edited by philomom - 5/24/11 at 8:00am

[Janeen]

I guess Georgia is on my list of states to avoid now. Tennessee was on there before (which is sad as my sister moved there) due to their no NIP laws after 1 year but they recently changed that. I mean really America, get over it!

[annettemarie]

How do they propose to enforce this? Do mothers have to carry their babies' birth certificates around with them? This is just the stupidest thing ever.

[KempsMama]

I'm not good at writing letters, but I would be happy to send one if given a template.  Although I do not live in GA. 

[*MamaJen*]

I left a message with the Attorney General's office, and I also called the news station that originally reported the story and told them about the contradiction with state law. They sounded like they might be interested in doing a follow-up. I'm going to shoot a quick email to the city manager as well.

I don't have a ton of time to deal with this, but if anyone knows anyone who deals with breastfeeding issues in Georgia, you might pass it on to them for followup. 

[annettemarie]

Originally Posted by *MamaJen* 

I left a message with the Attorney General's office, and I also called the news station that originally reported the story and told them about the contradiction with state law. They sounded like they might be interested in doing a follow-up. I'm going to shoot a quick email to the city manager as well.

I don't have a ton of time to deal with this, but if anyone knows anyone who deals with breastfeeding issues in Georgia, you might pass it on to them for followup. 

You're awesome! I thought about emailing, but wondered what good it would do since I'm not from Georgia.

[tex.mom]

I don't get it... does "proactive" mean there are no nursing toddlers at present, but just in case there are some in the future, and just in case there are complaints?  Maybe they should criminalize nursing extraterrestrials as well.  Just in case.

[*MamaJen*]

Here's what I sent:

Mr. Parker,
I just noticed a news report stating that the city of Forest Park recently passed an ordinance that prohibits a mother from breastfeeding a child older than two years old in public. However, Georgia state law protects the right of the mother to nurse her baby, regardless of the age of the child. As you of course know, that state law would trump the municipal ordinance. I'd like to request that you check with the Attorney General's Office to make sure that your ordinance is not in conflict with state law. I'm attaching the text of the state law for your convenience.
Best,
---
 

Georgia Code - Health - Title 31, Section 31-1-9

The breast-feeding of a baby is an important and basic act of nurture which should be encouraged in the interests of maternal and child health. A mother may breast-feed her baby in any location where the mother and baby are otherwise authorized to be.