Public Breastfeeding Speeches: Is It Acceptable to Deliver a Speech While Nursing? - Breastfeeding Moms and Their Rights: Can a Speech Be Permissible During Nursing?
In a notable turn of events, Hanna Steinmüller, a Green Party MP, recently made history by asking a question in the German Bundestag with her six-month-old baby strapped to her chest. This marks the first time a baby has participated in a question session in the German parliament.
The practice of allowing babies in parliamentary sessions during breastfeeding is not explicitly mentioned in the Bundestag's rules, but there have been initiatives and discussions around supporting breastfeeding in public spaces, including political environments. Some countries, like Australia, have already set precedents for breastfeeding in such environments. In 2019, an Australian senator was permitted to breastfeed her baby in the parliament.
Julia Klöckner, the Bundestag President, had previously announced that the Bundestag is not a kindergarten, but the strictness of this stance remains to be seen. The parliamentary kindergarten in the Bundestag, which previously only catered to children of employees, was addressed and changed in 2000.
The Bundestag has recently introduced maternity leave for MPs with children, but there have been challenges in the past. For instance, FDP MP Judith Skudelny was initially turned away by a doorkeeper when she brought her daughter to a session in 2009. Economics Minister Katherina Reiche, who was once an MP, faced similar challenges with the Bundestag's provisions for MPs with children.
Bodo Ramelow, Vice President of the Bundestag, was leading the session when Steinmüller asked her question. Guido Westerwelle, the FDP leader, intervened, allowing mother and child into the session. The state constitutional court has proposed allowing children up to one year old in the hall as long as they do not disturb the session.
The baby was sleeping during the question, making the session a remarkable coincidence. However, the hygiene of the breastfeeding room set up in the Reichstag building has been criticised in the past.
The Bundestag President's strict announcements are often taken seriously due to her stern face. Yet, the question of whether she would allow breastfeeding in the plenary hall remains unanswered. With other countries already implementing this practice, the Bundestag may soon follow suit.
References: 1. Breastfeeding Bill 2. Breastfeeding in Parliament 3. Breastfeeding in the Australian Parliament
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