Good post, Cathryn.
My initial inclination was to think that that distinction (discrimination) might be reasonable.
But, damn, I really don't want to answer your question affirmatively.
I think you turned me around on this one. LOL. ;-)
This is common assumption, which to an extent I'd have to say is correct. Men can't breastfeed babies. Lots of women don't, but that's their loss, and their children's. Babies need a single consistent presence, and in some ways it doesn't matter who it is - mother, father, grandmother, adoptive parent - but nonetheless, mothering is a unique physical relationship that you just don't appreciate until you've done it.
Fathers are very important to small children. My husband has been out of work most of a year, since our youngest son was 5 months old. We're thrilled that he's been able to participate with the baby all these months, but the whole "maternity/paternity leave" concept misses the boat.
Maternity and paternity are the Real Life, and the job is what pays the rent. There's something deeply wrong with the idea of taking a few weeks of "vacation" to be a parent!
However i would like to make one point, women need that maternity time to recoperate from giving birth. My wife has done that 7 times and she needs the time off more than I do. Now if there was complications and the wife needs help at home, then yes time off should be given to the husband so he can help.