Linda Dillon MLA has launched a consultation on her Private Members Bill on Breastfeeding to encourage breastfeeding in public spaces. The purpose of the Bill is to put in place stronger protections from discrimination for those breastfeeding in public places.
Many people may assume that breastfeeding is already fully protected in law but the existing protections under the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 do not explicitly mention breastfeeding or expressing. The Order provides protection against discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy or maternity (up to 26 weeks post-birth) but it does not specifically safeguard breastfeeding in public spaces.
The proposed Breastfeeding Bill would make it an offence to intentionally prevent or discourage a person from breastfeeding a child or expressing milk in a public space. It would require businesses and service providers to ensure their premises are breastfeeding-friendly and it would create penalties for individuals or organisations who discriminate against breastfeeding mothers in public spaces.
The Breastfeeding Bill consultation is available here and the deadline for responses is 24th October 2025:
