Dozens of mothers gathered in front of Claridge's in London on Saturday to protest the hotel's decision to ask a mother to cover up with a large napkin while nursing her baby in its restaurant.
The demonstration was organised by Free to Feed, a women's group dedicated to "campaigning against the discrimination of breastfeeding mothers." The group's Facebook page describes their goal to "normalise public breast feeding once and for all."
Free to Feed explained their disappointment with Claridge's on the protest's event page on Facebook:
Enough is enough. Claridges have had ample time to apologise for their mistake and rectify the situation by changing their 'policy', which states that they allow nursing mothers "so long as they are discreet". Claridges seem to think that they are above the laws and legislation of this land. This will be a peaceful demonstration in support of breast feeding mothers. All welcome.
Protester Katie Pirson, seen above in yellow, told the BBC: "I don't think it matters how I feed my baby – when he's hungry he should be able to be fed".
The new mother at the centre of the controversy, Louise Burns, said she felt "shocked and humiliated" when the hotel staff presented her with a "large napkin"
It is illegal under the 2010 Equality Act to "discriminate against mothers who are breastfeeding a child of any age." Claridge's responded to outcry over the incident in a statement, saying that "of course" they allow breast feeding, but that they "ask guests to be discreet".
Burns shared a photo of the "shroud" she had been given by the restaurant.
Asked to cover up with this ridiculous shroud while #breastfeeding so not to cause offence @ClaridgesHotel today..
She compared it to her appearance without the cover-up.
...SO much more obvious with it than without! Such a shame I can never go back.... @ClaridgesHotel #breastfeeding
The controversy attracted further attention yesterday when Nigel Farage told LBC radio that breastfeeding women "perhaps should sit in the corner" so as not to be "ostentatious".
Many people, including BBC Radio 4 Women's Hour presenter Jenni Murray, have expressed her support for the demonstration on Twitter.
Well done breast feeders outside #Claridges
Yay for ostentatious breastfeeders! MT@AliceBhand: Outside Claridges where women are protesting by #breastfeeding
@garethmammal @quantick To show my solidarity with breast feeding mums I shall go to #Claridges every day and lower the tone of the place.
Meanwhile broadcaster Lauren Laverne offered her own advice for those offended by women breastfeeding in public:
Tip for diners offended by breastfeeding mums: Why not sit in a corner, with a sheet over your head, or eat your meal in the toilets?
Claridge's told BuzzFeed News that they do not have any further comment on the issue after today's protest:
We have nothing to add to what we have already said that of course Claridge's has always welcomed breast feeding mothers, we just ask our guests to be discreet.