In view of the number of reactions and support that the story of a young Bordeaux woman, slapped for breastfeeding her child, has aroused on the Internet (her testimony has since been questioned), it seems that breastfeeding in a place public still makes a stir nowadays.

The testimonies of women victims of insults, evictions or simply remarks and looks of disapproval have flourished on social networks.

Faced with this problem, the Member of Parliament for Val-d'Oise, Fiona Lazaar (ex-LREM) tabled, on June 15, before the National Assembly a bill on the creation of an offense of obstructing the 'feeding with milk.

For

20 Minutes

, she explains the need for a law on this subject.

What does your bill consist of?

This is a very short and very operational proposal which brings into law the offense of obstructing breastfeeding.

It contains only two articles: the first creates an offense punishable by a fine of 1,500 euros for those who prohibit or attempt to prohibit a woman from breastfeeding in public spaces or in an establishment open to the public.

This is the heart of my proposal.

The second article, for its part, writes in black and white that breastfeeding in public does not constitute a sexual exhibition.

This is what is very often criticized for women who do it.

Was a law necessary for this?

Unfortunately yes.

I saw what had happened recently with the young woman in Bordeaux (Maÿlis would have been slapped for having breastfed her 6 month old child in public, her testimony is now questioned), but we see a multiplication of similar events in France as in Biscarrosse where a woman was asked to leave a store to breastfeed.

The testimonies of this type are legion.


Breastfeeding in public is neither permitted nor prohibited by law.

There is a void about this and therefore everyone interprets the law as they wish.

However, in essence, anything that is not prohibited is allowed.

Unfortunately, in practice, women are blamed for doing it, they are asked to go out, or they are attacked.

With this law, doubt is no longer allowed, and we give back to women a right that is fundamental to them.

The second article rejects sexual exhibition?

This is imperative, because it is the argument used by many people to refuse the right to breastfeed in public.

It is deeply scandalous, and it projects a real uneasiness in the minds of young mothers who wish to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding is a choice and a right, there is nothing more natural and healthier.

But malevolent and twisted spirits spread the fear of breastfeeding among women by their actions.

In the end, there are cases of women who would have liked to breastfeed, but do not do so because they do not know how they will manage if their baby starts crying in a store or in an administration because he has hunger.

I do not push to breastfeed, women do what they want, but they should not be prevented by the eyes of others and a morality that has no place.

Can this law change mentalities?

I don't know, but at least women should know that they have the law and the law on their side.

They should no longer be afraid of being intimidated or assaulted and society as a whole should respect their choice.

Some of my colleagues think it is superfluous since nothing forbids it, but I am convinced that registering things helps ensure the effectiveness of laws.

Can this bill succeed?

I think so, yes, I have always been committed to the issue of women's rights (Fiona Lazaar is vice-president of the delegation of women's rights to the National Assembly), and I am determined to pass this law.

Recent "news items" show that it is necessary.

People

Chrissy Teigen reveals she was ashamed of being unable to breastfeed her children

People

Ashley Graham poses nude to raise awareness about breastfeeding and fight "mom-shaming"

  • Justice

  • Society

  • Feeding with milk

  • Law

  • Womens rights