Diane Wiessinger wrote:  A co-LLL Leader of mine in Buffalo, NY is wondering
how to publicize the following breach of New York State's breastfeeding law,
which permits breastfeeding anywhere the mother is otherwise authorized to
be.  Any ideas?  We here in NYS have an endless series of little scuffles
like this with public entities, but this one was right in a courthouse!
Always, of course, the other side ends up having to apologize, but it gets
tiring, and it's really hard on the mothers involved.  Hey, we have a good
state law; how do we publicize its existence in a way that will stick
better?  Ideas, anyone?  

 

Hi Diane - I read about this incident via another organization.  This is
what I wrote in response:

Yes, [that situation] is frightening, but very common.  The woman handled
the situation very well; she avoided having her child taken away by walking
away without further incidence.  Now, she needs to do something about it.
There are ways to follow up to educate the uninformed, and to regain her
self-esteem and lighten her fears.  The media loves this kind of thing and
she can use that to her advantage; there are groups that will come out and
support her efforts.  Also, the NYS Governor and the NYS Attorney General
should be interested.  Governor Spitzer signed a proclamation for World
Breastfeeding Week that indicates his support for breastfeeding.  Please
feel free to pass this on wherever the information might help.

Lee

P.S.  I am working to come up with a different laminated card than what that
mom has.  It would not only state the Civil Rights Law # 79-e but would also
include the penalties of up to 5 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine for
the violation of that civil right.  The penalties make more of an impression
on the harasser than the law does.  If you give me permission, I will
forward your message to the people on the state level who are working on
those cards.

 

Lee now:  For anyone interested, the person I have been in touch with on the
state level is:

Pattie Garrett

Public Health Nutritionist, Breastfeeding Coordinator

NYS WIC Riverview Center

150 Broadway

Albany, New York 12204

(518) 402-7124

FAX:  (518)402-7348

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