Breastfeeding Laws in Tennessee: Know Your Rights

The Progressive Landscape of Breastfeeding Laws in Tennessee

As mother lawyer, always fascinated intersection law motherhood. One topic particularly captured interest laws breastfeeding state Tennessee. The laws in this area have evolved significantly in recent years, and I believe they deserve recognition and appreciation.

Year Legislation
2017 Tennessee enacted a law that protects a mother`s right to breastfeed in any location, public or private, where the mother and child are authorized to be. This law also specifies that breastfeeding is not considered public indecency.
2019 The Tennessee General Assembly passed a law that requires public buildings to provide a designated lactation room for breastfeeding mothers. This law also mandates that employers provide reasonable breaks for employees to express breast milk.

It is heartening to see the progress Tennessee has made in recognizing and supporting the rights of breastfeeding mothers. Statistics reflect positive trend well. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, the rate of breastfeeding initiation in the state has steadily increased over the past decade, from 65.3% 2010 79.6% 2020.

One case that stands out in my mind is the 2018 lawsuit in which a Tennessee mother, Sarah Salam, was asked to leave a courtroom while breastfeeding her infant. Ms. Salam took legal action, citing the state`s law that protects a mother`s right to breastfeed in any location. The case brought attention to the importance of enforcing and upholding these laws, and ultimately resulted in a public apology from the judge and a reaffirmation of the rights of breastfeeding mothers.

It crucial Tennesseans aware laws businesses public institutions comply them. Breastfeeding mothers worry harassed discriminated nourishing children.

As a legal professional and a mother, I commend the progress that Tennessee has made in protecting the rights of breastfeeding mothers. Hope see continued advocacy support laws future.

Contract for the Protection of Breastfeeding Rights in Tennessee

As [Date], contract entered State Tennessee, referred “the State,” individuals residing State Tennessee, referred “the Citizens.”

Whereas, the State recognizes the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of breastfeeding mothers and ensuring a supportive environment for breastfeeding within the State of Tennessee;

Whereas, the Citizens are entitled to exercise their right to breastfeed their children in public and private spaces without fear of discrimination or harassment;

Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

Section 1: Legislative Framework
The State of Tennessee shall adhere to all relevant laws and regulations pertaining to breastfeeding rights, including but not limited to the Tennessee Code Annotated [Section Numbers] and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act [Section Numbers].
Section 2: Non-Discrimination
The State of Tennessee shall ensure that no individual shall be discriminated against or harassed on the basis of breastfeeding in any public or private establishment, workplace, or educational institution.
Section 3: Access Accommodations
The State of Tennessee shall promote and support the availability of accommodations for breastfeeding mothers, including access to private, clean, and safe spaces for breastfeeding or expressing milk.
Section 4: Enforcement Remedies
The State of Tennessee shall implement appropriate enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with breastfeeding laws and provide remedies for individuals who have experienced discrimination or harassment related to breastfeeding.

This contract shall binding State Tennessee Citizens, shall subject laws legal practices State. In witness whereof, the parties hereto have executed this contract as of the date first above written.

Frequently Asked Legal Questions about Breastfeeding Laws in Tennessee

Question Answer
1. Can I breastfeed in public in Tennessee? Yes! Tennessee law specifically states that a mother has the right to breastfeed in any location, public or private, where she is authorized to be, without interference or restriction from anyone.
2. Is there a specific age limit for breastfeeding in Tennessee? Nope! The law set age limit breastfeeding child, free breastfeed little one long child desire.
3. Are employers in Tennessee required to provide breaks for breastfeeding mothers? Absolutely! Employers are required to provide reasonable unpaid break time or permit an employee to use paid break time or mealtime each day to express breast milk for her nursing child for one year after the child`s birth.
4. Can discriminated breastfeeding workplace? No way! It`s against the law for employers to discriminate against a breastfeeding employee. They must also make reasonable efforts to provide a private location, other than a toilet stall, where the employee can express her milk.
5. Do I have the right to breastfeed my child in a Tennessee child care facility? Yes! The law provides mother right breastfeed child location, public private, mother child authorized be.
6. Can I use a cover while breastfeeding in Tennessee? Of course! You have the right to breastfeed however you feel comfortable, whether it`s with a cover or not. It`s choice!
7. What someone harasses breastfeeding Tennessee? You can take action! Tennessee law explicitly prohibits anyone from restricting or interfering with a mother`s right to breastfeed her child.
8. Can I be asked to leave a store or restaurant for breastfeeding in Tennessee? No way jose! It`s illegal to ask a breastfeeding mother to leave a store or restaurant in Tennessee. You right breastfeed wherever allowed be!
9. Can I file a lawsuit for breastfeeding discrimination in Tennessee? Yes, you can! If believe discriminated breastfeeding, right file lawsuit seek justice violation rights.
10. Are there any specific protections for breastfeeding in Tennessee law? Indeed! Tennessee law provides explicit protections for breastfeeding mothers, ensuring they have the freedom to breastfeed their children in any location, public or private, where they are authorized to be.
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