Nursing mothers will be free to breastfeed at work, school and in other public places in South Australia under proposed changes to equal opportunity laws.

The new laws will also protect people who wear a crucifix, hijab or kippah at school or at work, making it illegal to discriminate against people because of their religious appearance.

The changes are included in the first major revamp of the state's equal opportunity laws for 20 years.

Attorney-General Michael Atkinson said the laws in their current form were inadequate by today's standards.

"Victimisation of a person on the grounds of their sex, sexuality, marital status, pregnancy, religious appearance or dress and their caring responsibilities will be unlawful under the act," Mr Atkinson said.

"With the benefit of more than 1,000 submissions from the public we have developed a bill that is sensible, modern and reflects the views of many South Australians.

"We want to ensure that all South Australians can take part equally in public life and no-one is discriminated against because of the prejudices of others."

The new laws will be introduced to state parliament within the next few weeks.

While many restaurants and other public institutions allow nursing mothers to breastfeed, under current laws they can be asked to leave if other patrons complain.

The changes will make that illegal.

They will also prevent people with a disability who keep a pet for therapeutic reasons from being refused accommodation and will prevent employers from refusing a woman a job on the basis that she might become pregnant at some time in the future.

AAP

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/public-breastfeeding-ok-in-sa/2006/10/13/1160246294712.html - http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/public-breastfeeding- ok-in-sa/2006/10/13/1160246294712.html