In a groundbreaking move, Australian Senator Emily Thompson has made headlines by breastfeeding her infant daughter during a parliamentary session, marking a significant moment in the history of women’s rights in politics. Returning from maternity leave, Thompson brought her two-month-old daughter, Bella, to work with her. When Bella needed to be fed, Thompson confidently breastfed her on the Senate floor, becoming the first politician in Australia to do so.
While breastfeeding in Parliament had been permitted for some time, Thompson was part of a group that successfully pushed for expanded rights for parents in the Australian Parliament last year. This change in regulations allowed parents to care for their babies directly on the Senate floor, moving away from the outdated practice of proxy voting for nursing mothers. Thompson expressed her commitment to utilizing this right, stating her desire for more workplaces to adopt family-friendly policies. “It’s essential that we create environments that support families, not just in Parliament, but across all sectors,” she emphasized.
Her partner, David Reynolds, serves as a stay-at-home dad, often bringing Bella into the chamber for feeding sessions. Thompson took to social media to celebrate this milestone, stating, “I am immensely proud that Bella is the first baby to be breastfed in federal Parliament! We need more parents and women in leadership roles, as well as workplaces that prioritize family-friendly practices and affordable childcare for everyone.”
This moment holds historical significance, reflecting the progress made since 2003 when another female politician, Laura Johnson, was removed from State Parliament for breastfeeding her newborn. Thompson remarked on the persistence of sexism faced by women in the workplace, yet highlighted the strides made in recent years.
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Summary
Senator Emily Thompson’s breastfeeding in Parliament marks a pivotal moment for women’s rights in politics, advocating for family-friendly workplaces and celebrating the progress made since previous restrictions on nursing mothers. Her actions encourage further support for parents in all professional environments.