NSW Parliament updates breastfeeding policy with gender-neutral language

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 01:32 · Archive

NSW Parliament has updated its internal breastfeeding policy to use gender-neutral language, replacing traditional maternal references with terms including 'parent', 'carer' and 'lactating parent'. The new policy states that parliament recognises the importance of breastfeeding for both parent and child, and aims to provide a family-friendly workplace.

NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloane has led criticism of the change. In a viral social media post that drew thousands of responses, she questioned why parliament was 'messing around with language' to describe an experience unique to women. 'So I'm going to say something that should not be controversial, but apparently it is – only women breastfeed babies,' Ms Sloane said.

While expressing support for workplace flexibility for all parents, Ms Sloane argued that erasing gendered terms did a disservice to women. 'I want them to be able to share the care,' she said of fathers. 'And the blokes can do that too – but the thing they can't do is breastfeed. Why are we trying to rob females from something that is really special and unique for us?'

Ms Sloane concluded that 'when government gets the language wrong, when they try to neutralise everything, I think they do everyone a disservice, and quite frankly, they make themselves a joke.'

NSW Parliament updates breastfeeding policy with gender-neutral language — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

‘Completely nuts’: controversial NSW parliament policy sparks furyA change to an internal workplace breastfeeding policy using gender-neutral language has sparked outrage.The West Australian · 22 Oct, 01:17
‘Completely nuts’: controversial NSW parliament policy sparks furyA change to an internal workplace breastfeeding policy using gender-neutral language has sparked outrage.Perth Now · 22 Oct, 01:17

In this story: NSW Parliament · Kellie Sloane · NSW

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