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AZ city to make public breastfeeding a crime
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City to revisit breast-feeding ruckus
Parks ruling to be debated by council
Edythe Jensen
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 11, 2005 12:00 AM
Chandler City Councilwoman Donna Wallace doesn't like the breast-feeding "directive" issued by parks officials this week and said she plans to seek a municipal law on the subject tonight.
"I have concerns over the fact that it has criminal penalties for nursing," Wallace said of the directive. "Breast-feeding all over the world is a natural function and a woman's right."
The criminal trespassing penalties would have applied only if a nursing mother were exposing her breast on city property, if someone complained and if she failed to either cover up or move to a private location, Community Services Director Mark Eynatten said. The directive was not put to a council vote and was to have taken effect this week.
City spokeswoman Nachie Marquez said tonight's discussion has put the directive on hold. Wallace said she hopes her proposal will start work on a city law, which could go to a council vote in the near future.
"I'm glad the council is reconsidering this," said Chandler resident Christia Bridges-Jones, who was among several women who earlier urged the council not to regulate public breast-feeding. The issue came to light after a nursing mother was asked to leave a city pool picnic area this summer.
"They need to hear the voices of the community and know that (the directive) is not in line with the community standard," Bridges-Jones said.
Wallace said she has received numerous calls from residents who are opposed to the directive and wants to hear more from the community, including local business owners, before a law is drafted. The 7 p.m. meeting is at 22 S. Delaware St.
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