In Anacortes, Washington, a family’s attempt to enjoy a meal turned into a public controversy when a mother was asked to leave a restaurant for breastfeeding her newborn.

Ruby Meeden and her husband, Aaron, had planned to dine with relatives at the Greek Islands Restaurant. Their son, just four days old, needed feeding upon arrival. Ruby discreetly began breastfeeding, covering up and facing away from other patrons.

After a 30-minute wait without service, the restaurant owner approached them and, without explanation, told them to leave and “never come back.” Aaron later posted a negative review online, to which the owner responded with derogatory remarks, referring to their children as “snot-nosed brats” and calling Ruby an “animal.”

Washington state law protects a mother’s right to breastfeed in public spaces, making the owner’s actions potentially discriminatory. In response, approximately two dozen mothers organized a protest outside the restaurant, advocating for breastfeeding rights and condemning the owner’s behavior.

The restaurant has since limited its operations to take-out only and removed its social media presence. The Meedens are considering filing a complaint with the state’s Human Rights Commission.