Delta/Freedom Airlines now demands that charges be dropped in the case of the mother asked to leave a flight in Vermont because she refused to "cover up" her nursing child. The airlines claims that
federal law trumps state law in this case in which Emily Gillette has filed a claim with the Vermont Human Rights Commission.
The Burlington, Vt., Free-Press has kindly organized all its article on this topic under a themed link entitled "Breast-Feeding Incident."
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/a...612150310/1009
Mothering magazine also has been covering the story and has a great follow-up on the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Nurse-In. The first time mothers tried, they were apparently forced to leave by airport security....but the moms were not deterred and returned for another nurse-in on Dec. 1:
"Ironically, the interference of police allowed more time to plan the second nurse-in. Although the first nurse-in had 5 moms and 9 kids in attendance, 27 adults and 28 children showed up the second time, as well as several media organizations."
Go DFW-area nursing moms and supporters!
http://www.mothering.com/sections/ne...e.html#dismiss
Lone Star Mamas "Try, Try Again" at Airport Nurse-In, with Banner Results
By Amy Philo
December 4, 2006
Dallas, Texas area mothers stood up for the right to breastfeed in public this past November 21, as part of the nationwide nurse-in at Delta ticket counters. The airport security at DFW approached the moms shortly after they arrived at the terminal. The first officer who approached the mothers informed the mothers they would have to leave because what they were doing was considered picketing and they needed a permit, and also, told them what they were doing was inappropriate, with the use of many rude and unnecessary words. Two more officers joined the first, and also told the mothers they would have to leave. The mothers pointed out to the officers that Texas law has no requirements for any sort of protocol while breastfeeding, and, additionally, Texas law allows women to go topless. However, one officer repeatedly threatened the moms with possible arrest for "indecent exposure" or "disorderly conduct." This officer also stated that his wife had breastfed their children, and they do not believe in "artificial feeding."
The mothers sought the permit at airport administration, but were told it takes at least three business days and requires a written statement. Once the permit application was in, the airport's legal department advised the organizers of the follow-up nurse-in that they did not need a permit. The mothers had been well within their rights the first time they held a nurse-in. Although the run-around was frustrating, the Texas mothers felt vindicated that their persistence brought this to light.
They quickly planned a second nurse-in for December 1. This time, several local news stations covered the event. The airport issued a statement to the press, which claimed that the officers at the first nurse-in handled the situation with the utmost respect and sensitivity. They claimed that the officers had not harassed the mothers at all, and that the mothers had been distributing literature and holding up signs, which was why they were asked to leave. The mothers at the first nurse-in were not distributing literature. They were holding small 8 x 10 inch signs, which were not derogatory in nature, and the mothers were never asked to put the signs away.
Ironically, the interference of police allowed more time to plan the second nurse-in. Although the first nurse-in had 5 moms and 9 kids in attendance, 27 adults and 28 children showed up the second time, as well as several media organizations.
