New York lawmakers have passed a bill replacing gendered terms like 'mother' and 'father' with gender-neutral alternatives in state child custody and parental laws. The legislation, which redefines 'mother' as 'gestating parent' and 'father' as 'non-gestating parent,' now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's approval. The bill passed the state Senate this week after clearing the Assembly in March.
Supporters argue the changes promote inclusivity, particularly for LGBTQ+ families and non-traditional parenting arrangements. Democrats who drafted the bill emphasized the need for language that reflects modern family structures. Meanwhile, critics, including Republican lawmakers and gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, argue the changes are unnecessary and erode traditional family terminology. Blakeman criticized the bill on social media, stating, 'In Kathy Hochul’s New York, 'mom' is now defined as 'gestating parent.' Not when I’m Governor!' Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., also condemned the bill, saying, 'The party that can't define a woman is now rewriting New York law to erase mothers and fathers.'
Governor Hochul has not yet reviewed the bill but promised to consider it before the end of the year. The legislative session concluded on Thursday, meaning Hochul has until December 31 to decide whether to sign the bill into law. The debate over gender-neutral language in legal documents has gained traction in other states, including Wisconsin, where similar proposals have sparked controversy.