Washington's state House of Representatives today approved House Bill 1596, which would declare that a mother's right to breastfeed in public places is a civil right protected by the state's anti-discrimination law.

Mothers would be free to breastfeed in any public place, including restaurants, stores, malls, parks, libraries and government offices.

There is already a law on the books protecting the mothers from being charged with indecent exposure. HB 1596 would allow anyone discriminated against to file a complaint with the state's Human Rights Commission.

“I really think that we will jumpstart a culture change,” said prime sponsor Rep. Tami Green, D-Lakewood. She said she hopes people see breastfeeding as healthy and natural, not as anything sexual.

“A mom should really feel as comfortable sitting down to breastfeed as she would sitting down and pulling a bottle out of her diaper bag,” said Green.

Study after study has demonstrated the benefits to babies and mothers of breastfeeding, said Rep. Mike Armstrong, R-Wenatchee.

The bill passed unanimously.

“Unfortunately, we have to legislate common sense,” said Armstrong.

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