In Australia, a woman barred from a courtroom for breastfeeding her baby

In 2023, breastfeeding is still considered an obscene practice by some. The scene takes place in Australia, in a Melbourne county courthouse, this Tuesday 7 March. A judge asked a mother who came to trial with her baby to leave the courtroom to breastfeed. According to him, the practice would be prohibited in court and would constitute a distraction.

The county did not react, but second The Guardian which recounts the event, also making use of theAustralian Associated Press, the judge addressed the incident again in front of jurors this Friday, March 10. The magistrate remained faithful to his convictions, deeming his initial comment clear enough:

That’s what I said [à la mère] : – “Madam, you are not allowed to breastfeed a child in the classroom. I’m sorry, I have to ask you to leave. This will distract the jury, at least. (…) “I tell you [aux membres du jury] because the event attracted the media and I think you need to know exactly what I said and why I said it. That said, it’s not something you should care about since it has nothing to do with your mission.

Comments published in The Guardian, Friday 10 March 2023

In Melbourne County, women are allowed to breastfeed anywhere in public space, but the courts are separate venues. The rules of the courtroom are subject to the discretion of the judges, even if it is explicitly stated that one cannot eat or drink there.

Strong reactions that show that things are changing

This event sparked strong reactions, particularly from the judiciary, public authorities and private actors: in Australia, breastfeeding in all public places is authorized and encouraged. Emily Creak, a specialist counsel at a local law firm, tells al Keeper that rules prohibiting the consumption of food cannot be applied to breastfeeding. This would contravene the values ​​of Melbourne County and its community.

For her part, State Attorney General Jaclyn Symes expressed her astonishment and is expected to go to court soon to address this slippage:

These disturbing remarks must get the attention of the court. […] Either way, no woman deserves to be humiliated and singled out for breastfeeding in public.

Spokesperson for Jaclyn Symes, quoted by The Guardian, 10 March 2023

Ingrid Stitt, Minister of Early Childhood, also condemned the judge’s attitude, during a press conference conducted on Friday:

In 2023, it is absurd that this could happen. It’s very disappointing […]. The message for women in the Victoria area is that we support you and your right to care for your children, and if that means you have to breastfeed in a public building, that’s not only something we should tolerate, but celebrate too!

Ingrid Stit, minister of early childhood in Australia, quoted by The Guardian, 10 March 2023

While WHO and public authorities strongly recommend breastfeeding, these demeaning remarks hinder its smooth functioning. They breed shame and embarrassment and can ultimately lead women to isolate themselves rather than take their rightful place in the public space.