An Ohio mother said she felt like her rights were violated Friday night when she was nearly banned for breast-feeding at a skating rink.
However, the owner of Skate 36 said that’s not what happened, and that it was more of a safety concern.
Angel Taylor and her son, Andrew, were at the skating rink when the toddler, “Decided it was time for mama milkers —that’s what we call it,” Taylor said. Shortly after she started breast-feeding, she said she was told to stop.
“I had to stand my ground and say this is the law. I’m allowed to do this and if you feel you’re going to ban me, then that’s fine,” she said.
Ohio law states a mother is entitled to breast-feed her child in any location of a place of public accommodation where she otherwise is permitted.
However, the owner of the staking rink said staff was concerned because Taylor chose to breast-feed while sitting on a circular bench in the middle of the skating area.
“We were very concerned a kid would come around and hit her. And she did do that and we offered her to go into the lobby where it was safer,” said owner Tina Phillabaum.
Taylor said she was asked to take her son into a restroom or back to her car. “I should not have to take my son to the bathroom to feed him,” she said.
Phillabaum said Taylor was never told to, but “was offered if that made her feel more comfortable,” she said.
After that, both women agree there were no further issues at the staking rink.
“In fact, she was one of the last ones to leave last night,” Phillabaum said of Taylor.
Skate 36 staff says this is the first time there has ever been an issue and that there are mothers who breast-feed at the venue, though they’ve all done it in the lobby.
