MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- A woman who became angry when deputies asked her to stop nursing her baby outside a Rutherford County courtroom was threatened with arrest.

Video: Officer Asks Breastfeeding Mom To Move

Heather Rankins, 22, was nursing her 3-month-old son in a hallway on Monday when officers asked her to move to a more discreet location.

"I went outside of the courtroom and sat on the floor and nursed him because he was really loud," said Rankins.

Sgt. Michael Potts said Rankins' breast was exposed. He said Rankins began screaming and causing a disturbance so he asked her to leave or be taken to jail.

But Rankins said her breasts were covered and she believes her rights were violated.

"I said, 'I don't have to leave. I'm covered. There is nothing wrong with this.' He said, 'I will have to find you another area.' He went to the custodian closet, opened it and said, 'This will do,'" said Rankins.

She said when she refused to use the closet, he threatened her.

"He said, 'One of the two things is going to happen. You need to leave or I will arrest you and have DCS pick up your son,'" said Rankins.

Channel 4 talked with the court officer, and he said he suggested Rankins use an office because people were complaining.

He said he was concerned for Rankins and the child's safety because inmates are escorted through the hall on their way to court.

Tennessee law states that a mother has a right to breastfeed a baby who is 12 months old or younger in any location.

"They were discriminating against me. What about all the other mothers? Are they going to tell them they can't breast feed in public as well?" asked Rankins.

Rankins is planning to file a complaint and left a message with the Rutherford County sheriff.

She said she is planning to contact an attorney to possibly take legal action, but most of all she is hoping to promote awareness.