What would baby Jesus eat?

And could he have done it in public without somebody getting in a knot about it?

Okay, Texas, if we're going to be all about red-state "family values," we need to clear this one up. In theory, the state supports breastfeeding mothers, and Texas law allows a mother to nurse her baby anywhere she is "authorized to be." The problem is that prudish business owners can just "deauthorize" a mother for nursing and make her stop feeding her child or have her kicked out. As a matter of human rights for mothers and children, this needs to change.

State Rep. Jessica Farrar from Harris County has introduced a bill that not only would prevent business owners from "deauthorizing" women because they are breastfeeding but also would make interfering with a nursing mother a civil offense punishable by a fine. The comptroller's office would be required to clue in business owners so they can't plead ignorance. I, and lots of mothers with hungry babies and a desire to move about freely in the world, would dearly love to see this become law.

Right now the bill, HB 1154, is with the Public Health Committee. Those of you reading this within the confines of Texas are urged to enjoin, cajole, plead, exhort, or encourage your state rep to support this bill, especially if your rep is on the committee.

You can find an action guide at Parent:Wise Austin, to whom I tip my hat for their piece in this month's issue about breastfeeding issues before the Lege.