Key facts
- New York Democrats passed a bill to remove 'mother' and 'father' from state law.
- The bill replaces 'mother' with 'gestating parent' and 'father' with 'non-gestating parent'.
- The legislation targets state child custody and parental laws.
- The bill passed the state Senate and Assembly and is sent to Governor Kathy Hochul.
- Critics argue the change is unnecessary and promotes 'inclusivity'.
New York Democrats have passed legislation that would replace the terms 'mother' and 'father' with gender-neutral language in certain state laws. The bill, which has moved through the Assembly and passed the Senate, redefines 'mother' as 'gestating parent,' 'father' as 'non-gestating parent,' and 'paternity' as 'parentage' within parental and child custody laws. Proponents claim the change enhances inclusivity, while opponents criticize it as unnecessary and an erasure of traditional family roles. The legislation now awaits final approval from Governor Kathy Hochul, who stated she would review it. Republican officials, including gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman and Representative Claudia Tenney, have voiced strong opposition to the bill, framing it as an attack on families and traditional values.