New Rhode Island Law Protects Breastfeeding in Public

Good news for Rhode Islanders and breastfeeding advocates everywhere! In addition to the existing Rhode Island laws excluding breastfeeding mothers from disorderly conduct laws, and requiring employers to provide a safe, private place to breastfeed or pump, a new law has been enacted (it became effective without the governor’s signature last week). The new law takes effect March 1, 2009.

The entire text of the enacted bill reads:

23-13.5-1. Breastfeeding in public places. – A woman may feed her child by bottle or breast in any place open to the public.

23-13.5-2. Remedies. – In any civil action alleging a violation of this chapter, the court may:

(1) Afford injunctive relief against any person, entity or public accommodation that commits or proposes to commit a violation of this chapter; and

(2) Award compensatory damages and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on March 1, 2009.

It’s wonderful to see a law that provides a private cause of action for denial of the right to breastfeed in public. Congratulations and thanks to State Senators Perry, Moura, Sosnowski, Gallo, and Pichardo, who co-sponsored the bill in the Rhode Island Senate.