Breast-feeding debate rages in Chandler (East Valley Tribune)

Chandler needs to have a policy or law that doesn’t treat breast-feeding mothers like criminals — at least that’s how one city councilwoman sees it.

In fact, the entire state needs a law that guarantees a mother’s right to breastfeed in public, say a group of East Valley mothers who met with legislators this week.

Councilwoman Donna Wallace has set aside time on tonight’s council agenda to discuss the issue with the possibility of giving city staff direction to draft an ordinance.

A city law would overrule an "administrative directive" presented at a Monday council study session. The directive requires women to cover themselves while breastfeeding at city facilities, and directs facility supervisors to help mothers find a more private location if needed. It also states that a mother who refuses to cover herself or move can be charged with criminal trespassing.

"In the directive, nursing mothers are seen as criminals," said Wallace, who included in the council agenda 57 pages of e-mails she received on the issue.


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