Govt Plans Legal Protection For Breastfeeding Mums

The government on Friday briefed lawmakers on its plans to expand Hong Kong's anti-discrimination laws, to better protect people against harassment and discrimination in the workplace on the basis of gender, race, or disability.

If the legal changes are approved, discrimination against breastfeeding mothers will also become an offence for the first time.

But while acts of discrimination will be covered, there will be no specific legal provision against the harassment of breastfeeding mums, even though lawmakers passed a motion calling for this.

The government explained that such acts are already covered by broader laws against harassment.

But Democrat Ted Hui, who moved the motion, wasn't happy with the response.

"Insulting words to those women, like calling them sluts, being rude or impolite when breastfeeding in public, those don’t make sense, are very insulting and discouraging to do breastfeeding," he said.

The legal changes planned are based on proposals made by the Equal Opportunities Commission.