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CHARLOTTE, N.C. California Democrat Susie Shannon plans to come to the Democratic convention with her 4-year-old daughter, Gracie.
But she learned recently that convention organizers won’t provide child care or let children on the convention floor.
Now National Organization for Women chapters in Southern California – with an assist from feminist Gloria Steinem – are denouncing the convention for “discrimination against moms.”
“Women are the key to a Democratic victory, and sometimes, children are the key to women,” Steinem said in a statement. “It’s both right and smart for the Democratic Convention to behave as if children exist.”
Lindsey Horvath, president of the Hollywood NOW chapter, said the convention policy “creates an insurmountable barrier for mothers … to participate in the process of choosing a presidential candidate.”
Convention spokeswoman Joanne Peters said private child care providers are available on an official vendor directory. And lactation centers will be available in all venues for nursing mothers.
“Democratic conventions have historically required credentials for all individuals to access the convention hall to ensure the safety and security of all attending,” she said.
Shannon, 45, said “that is something, but unfortunately it’s not enough.”
“The Democratic Party shouldn’t put you in a position where you have to choose between your child and participating in a political convention,” she said.
