Military, breastfeeding status may soon be added to Cincinnati's nondiscrimination ordinance

Breastfeeding and military status would be added to Cincinnati's nondiscrimination ordinance under a proposed change now at City Council.

The municipal law currently protects residents from employment and housing discrimination based on things like race, gender and sexual orientation. The proposed changes would clarify that gender identity and gender expression are protected classes. And it would require more employers and housing providers to follow the rules.

The changes also would add a few new protected categories: familial status, military status and breastfeeding status. Council Member Victoria Parks is one of two authors of the legislation.

"We've all seen stories of mothers being asked to cover up while feeding their child. And for me, this could not come at a better time when we are suffering a lack of formula," Parks said. "So it's just as simple as feeding your your baby. And mothers should be able to nurse in public without shame or harassment."