News

Moms plan 'nurse-in' at Grove Street courthouse

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 18, 2016

Breastfeeding moms plan a "nurse in" at the Henderson County Courthouse at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning to raise public awareness about breastfeeding after a District Court judge scolded a woman for feeding her baby in the courtoom,  television stations and social media sites reported Monday.

Stephanie Rhodus says that Judge Peter Knight told her what she was doing was "ridiculous" when she was was breast-feeding as she came up to speak during a hearing.

"Ma'am, you need to cover up. For you not to realize that is absolutely ridiculous. Step outside and cover up right now. Stand up and go now," Knight said. "I'm fine with you having a child if you don't have other arrangements made that's certainly going to happen. But to nurse the child in the courtroom is absolutely inappropriate. Step outside and button up."

The order by Knight became national news and Rhodus was interviewed by multiple TV stations.

Henderson County Clerk of Superior Court Kim Gasperson Justice said Monday she had received multiple interview requests and questions from national media outlets but had referred to state officials to explain policies in courtrooms.

North Carolina law allows women to breastfeed in public, regardless of whether a nipple is exposed.

The mothers plan the "nurse-in" at 10 a.m. in front of the Grove Street courthouse, WYFF-TV reported.