Riddle's Facebook Post Angers Breast-Feeding Moms
A Facebook update state Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Tomball, posted on Tuesday suggesting that mothers should be "modest" while breast-feeding their babies in public has generated nearly 1,000 comments — most of them outraged.
In her post, Riddle says she opposes House Bill 1706, which would outlaw interfering with or restricting the right of a parent to breast-feed in public. The bill would permit anyone who believes their breast-feeding rights have been violated to file a lawsuit and seek damages and attorney's fees.
In her post, Riddle wrote that "a bill that would allow for lawsuits if one 'interfered' with ...
Comments (24)
Lee B. Weaver via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I'd be interested to know if Rep. Riddle thinks it's "going a bit far" for the State to interfere with a woman's access to or use of birth control -- or access to safe and legal abortion.
Karen Spivey-Cummings via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Good question Lee. Very good.
Tony Carver via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Ahh Yes...more "small government" conservitism.
Alicia Butler via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I read through all of the comments to her facebook post, and what strikes me is how *few* were ad homenium attacks on her - most were passionate, reasonable responses to her position. But apparently, she did not enjoy being the subject of criticism and hid her post, offering as an excuse, the "rude" comments. Sad.
Rita Moore via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Sorry folks. Rant and rave all you want about breast-feeding in public. I believe it should be done modestly. We have become a nation of WIMPS...For one reason or another it seems as if everybody's feelings are hurt. BLAH BLAH BLAH....
Lisa Ahrlett via Texas Tribune on Facebook
They interfere with it becasue they won't pay for it?
Belinda Tupper via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Legislating breastfeeding? Lawsuits for interference? Oh, please tell me there are more important issues our lawmakers should address.
Belinda Tupper via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Most mothers who breastfeed their babies are modest. Even if they did expose their teats, whose offended by this natural occurrence? Prudish politicians and boors are always finding ways to make money and this is yet another example of what's wrong with our lawmakers whose concensus is that litigation is the answer. Seriously. If someone is offended by breastfeeding, said someone is probably living a lifestyle that I find detrimental to assurance of one of our most basic needs: nutrition.
Shawn AndMichelle Wehmeyer via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Rita, I would contend the WIMPS are those who can not handle the sight of a woman breastfeeding!
Brandi Royal via Texas Tribune on Facebook
If you have a problem seeing part of women boob, wimp or not you have some serious growing up to do. I do breastfeed modestly although usually not with a blanket but that's totally up to the mother themselves.
James Alderman via Texas Tribune on Facebook
We certrainly need this bill to become law. So often business owners disregard current laws regarding service animals, and breastfeeding too. The police are called, but will always say it's a "civil matter." Having a law like this will help make sure business owners have a real fear of violating patron's rights. A couple of lawsuits under this new law and the illegal practices will stop.
Diana Vandiver via Texas Tribune on Facebook
This woman has proposed some pretty stupid crap!
Sharon Cooper Morgan via Texas Tribune on Facebook
There is nothing more beautiful than to see a mother modestly baring her breast to feed her baby. That said, what does it say about our society that this bill even has to be proposed?
Meredith Doherty Potyondy via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Legislators like Riddle are useless. Kick 'em out!
Eddie Rodriguez
What if they are feeding "terror babies?"
I am less shocked she would say that and more shocked that she keeps getting elected.
Zakiya Ramos
The implication is that if you are not covered with a blanket you are being immodest which couldn't be further from the truth. I just sat on the couch yesterday for 20 minutes nursing my daughter without a cover and my 29 year old nephew had no idea I was nursing. He was surprised later when I mentioned I breastfed. Most breastfeeding moms are very skilled at feeding our babies without letting the public see our breasts. Furthermore most of the mothers who are harassed and asked to leave for breastfeeding are using covers as the cover makes it more obvious what is going on and many people just have a problem with the breastfeeding whether or not any skin is showing. I have experienced this recently. Also it wasn't mentioned in this article but Ms. Riddle also said in some of her comments responding to others that nursing mothers feel comfortable nursing in the car and ladies room which is absolutely UNTRUE. I don't know many moms who want to feed their child in a filthy restroom while other people defecate around them or who want to have to leave social situations and shuffle off to their vehicles to feed their babies like we are doing something shameful. This attitude that Ms Riddle and people like her have is whats shameful and we need a way to protect ourselves against this discrimination because the current laws as they stand are just for show and do not allow for enforcement of the law.
Zakiya Ramos
Pardon me she said "some" women are more comfortable nursing in the ladies room or car which is true, some are and that's their choice if they are. I am not. And her comments were in response to someone who said that we should stay home, go to our car, or go to the bathroom. A better response would have been to admonish those types of sentiments but if that's how you think as well you wouldn't do that.
Belinda Tupper via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The author of this legislation, a democrat/woman, is also problematic.
Dinah Miller via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Breast feeding is the healthiest choice for terror babies. (Google Rep Riddle and terror babies).
Sergio Hernandez De Santos via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Also for anchor babies
Karen Spivey-Cummings via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Debbie Riddle is problematic and a nut.
David Roland Strong via Texas Tribune on Facebook
A society that frowns on feeding babies is nuts.
Kym Munson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Rita Moore you complain we are a nation of wimps while stating that you believe that breast feeding should be done modestly, who the hell is the wimp in this scenario? Can't handle a little nature? Can't handle a little of what God intended? People who view breastfeeding as immodest need to get their heads and hearts out of the gutter.
Wilkins Micawber
Nursing or suckling infants is fundamental to motherhood. In literature and art, the act is symbolic for selfless charity toward the needy and innocent.
It is the hideous and inaccurate medicalese that has taken over the language, "breast feeding", that should be banned by law.
Mothers should nurse, or suckle their infants, where-ever and whenever they wish, as they wish. It's not anyone else's business, so leave them alone and butt-out.