Breastfeeding: Public Places

(asked on 25th June 2021) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to protect breastfeeding mothers from being photographed in public.


Answered by
Chris Philp Portrait
Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
This question was answered on 30th June 2021

This behaviour may already be captured by existing offences.

However, we are keenly aware of concerns that have been expressed over the changes in technology, including the misuse of photography, social media, imagery, and the opportunities to abuse and upset others that such developments can bring.

We have therefore asked the Law Commission to review the law in this area to ensure victims are properly protected.

It is important that any changes to the law in such sensitive areas, are thoroughly assessed and fully evidenced.

The review has looked at the question of non-consensual photography in public places, including whether recording and sharing images of breastfeeding should be captured as “intimate” imagery for the purposes of any reformed criminal law.

The Government awaits the Law Commission’s findings with interest and shall consider them carefully.

Reticulating Splines