Breast-feeding mom demands apology for indecent exposure ticket

GJsentinel ^ | July 28, 2005 - 11:33 p.m

[Asphalt]

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Never mind officials voiding a $50 ticket for indecent exposure, or an explanation from county officials that a ranger who issued the citation to the breast-feeding mother was inexperienced.

Dorian Ryan said she wants an apology for what she called a "humiliating and degrading" experience.

"This isn't right. Women shouldn't be harassed for breast-feeding their children," Dorian Ryan said.

Colorado lawmakers agree. A law passed last year gives women the right to breast feed anywhere she's allowed to be in public.

Ryan, 43, was ticketed for indecent exposure July 14 when she breast fed her son at the Carter Lake swim beach in Larimer County. She was shielded from view by two umbrellas and a towel.

An inexperienced park ranger mistakenly issued the ticket, said Dan Rieves, manager of the Blue Mountain District, which oversees the beach. Park officials have voided the ticket.

Rieves, who has been in contact with Ryan, said a written apology would be sent Friday.

[AndyJackson]

Get it?

You clearly don't. That is one thing that is for real sure.

[elfman2]

I think you're talking past one another guys. I think it's a cultural and circumstantial thing. Breast have both nourishment and sexual aspects, but some cultures and circumstances ramp up or down the emphasis on one or the other. A woman is probably not flashing while feeding her infant on a beach or West Coast coffee house no matter how indiscriminate. But any breastfeeding in a corporate boardroom or behind a Macy's sales counter would be absurd. Good taste varies by culture and circumstance.

[agrace]

That's a pretty extreme anecdote. By and large, breast-feeding women are as discreet as possible and very few bystanders ever get a flash of exposed breast. Surely you know that.

[AndyJackson]

You are either a troll or one seriously sick jackwit

You have created a false dichotomy. Check out his opinions more broadly around here.

[Prime Choice]

That was never a problem until July 14, when Ryan was issued a $50 summons and complaint at Carter Lake in Larimer County for "knowingly (exposing) one's genitals in a public place."

ROTFLOL! If someone thinks breasts are "genitals," then they need to go back to sex ed 101! LOL!

[Calpernia]

Breast pumps don't work on every woman.

I only know one mom personally that was able to pump. The rest, no.

[Houmatt]

So do you suggest that women keep themselves and their infants in seclusion until they are weaned?

Yes, that's exactly what I am saying. You don't like that? Too bad. That's your problem.

I have already explained my reasoning behind that particular train of thought. As far as I am concerned, it is as solid as a rock, and I am willing to bet my home the majority of people in this country would agree with me.

I am done with this subject. If anyone wants to say anything more to me, Freepmail.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

"A law passed last year gives women the right to breast feed anywhere she's ALLOWED to be in public."

Allowed? Females are only allowed to be in certain public places in CO? LOL!

[delacoert]

But. Not. In. Public.

Get it?

Respectfully, no, I don't get it.

You sound categorically against breast feeding in public.

Have you ever witnessed breast feeding being done in a modest manner?

Are you saying that it offends you regardless?

[agrace]

My youngest wouldn't take a bottle at all. What should I have done with her?

FWIW, I think the apology demand is silly and redundant.

[sfimom]

Well it's not going to happen so just look away or go into seclusion yourself so you won't be offended. I have nothing more to say on this matter.

[Prime Choice]

Check out his opinions more broadly around here.

Nyack! Wow...he's a real piece of work, isn't he?

[Diana in Wisconsin]

"More than 83 percent of Colorado infants are breast-fed at least once."

Oh, big deal. 83 percent of husbands of nursing women are, too! LOL!

[Prime Choice]

From reading the history of that guy's post, I get the very real sense that his biggest concern is that somehow, somewhere, someway, someone out there might be happy or content.

[Prime Choice]

Oh, big deal. 83 percent of husbands of nursing women are, too! LOL!

Oh my...that would mean that breast milk is some kind of (gasp) gateway drug! *pulling out hair and running away* NYAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!

[AndyJackson]

I think the man "has issues."

[Prime Choice]

I think the man "has issues."

I hereby dub you "FR's Master of Understatement."   Congratulations.   :o)

[Haru Hara Haruko]

Which would you rather see as the outcome:

1. She sues and wins $30k. Ultimately paid by the taxpayer.

2. The donut-muncher that wrote her up is ordered by the court to dye his uniforms pink and stencil "I ticketed a breastfeeding mom." on the back of his shirt?

We need more low-cost sanctions for public officials who get out of line.

[Houmatt]

Now this is funny: Jumping threads to continue a debate that began somewhere else.

You are either a masochist or a very dumb troll.

Good day.

[Houmatt]

You are either a troll or one seriously sick jackwit if you think breastfeeding a child is sexual in nature.

I am neither. Learn how to read.