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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Australian MPs allowed to breastfeed in parliament



The Australian House of Representatives has changed its rules to allow lawmakers to breastfeed and bottle-feed in the chamber.

Under the old rules, MPs could only take babies into the public galleries or offices of the parliament building.

The leader of the house welcomed the changes to "antiquated" practices.

Breastfeeding in parliament is a controversial issue in many countries, and lawmakers have been criticised for taking their babies to sessions.

The new regulations in Australia mean MPs' infants will no longer be considered as "visitors", banned from entering the chamber of the lower house.

The changes were approved after a recommendation from a parliamentary committee.
"No member male or female will ever be prevented from participating fully in the operation of the parliament by reason of having the care of a baby," House Leader Christopher Pyne said.
"There is absolutely no reason that rules should remain in place which make life in politics and the parliament more difficult for women."

40 of the 150 members of the House of Representatives are women, and three have had babies since March 2015

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