A bill approved by New York Democrats that would replace references to “mother” and “father” in portions of state law with gender-neutral language is now awaiting action from Governor Kathy Hochul.
The legislation, which focuses on child custody and parental laws, passed the State Senate this week after previously clearing the Assembly in March. If signed into law, the measure would revise various legal definitions by replacing “mother” with “gestating parent,” “father” with “non-gestating parent,” and “paternity” with “parentage.”
Democrats argue the changes are intended to make state law more inclusive and reflective of different family structures. Republicans, however, view the proposal as an unnecessary rewriting of longstanding legal terminology and another example of Albany Democrats prioritizing ideological issues over concerns facing many New Yorkers.
The bill now heads to Hochul who has increasingly found herself balancing pressure from progressive lawmakers and activists while campaigning for reelection.
During a recent news conference, Hochul said she had not yet reviewed the legislation and declined to indicate whether she supports or opposes it.
“I have until the end of the year to review them and make a decision, so I won’t be commenting on pending legislation,” said Hochul.
The proposal emerged during a legislative session that saw Democrats advance a number of measures focused on social and cultural issues. Republicans emerged from the session critical of democrats, arguing that they spent too much time on symbolic legislation and not enough on affordability, public safety and the state’s ongoing population decline.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman quickly seized on the bill, framing it as part of a broader trend in New York politics.
“In Kathy Hochul’s New York, ‘mom’ is now defined as ‘gestating parent,'” Blakeman wrote. “Not when I’m Governor! I’ll stand up for moms and dads against this insanity.”
Blakeman also connected the legislation directly to Hochul’s leadership.
“This bill is a continuation of Hochul’s war on families, and I won’t stop fighting until we take New York back,” he added.
The proposal has also drawn criticism from other Republicans who argue the terminology changes diminish the traditional roles of mothers and fathers.
Representative Claudia Tenney criticized the legislation shortly after its passage.
“The party that can’t define a woman is now rewriting New York law to erase mothers and fathers. Only in Albany could ‘mom’ and ‘dad’ become too controversial,” said Tenney.
Hochul’s decision on whether to sign the bill is likely to draw attention regardless of what she chooses as cultural issues continue to play an increasing role in this election cycle.
