Hempstead adopts measure to maintain ‘mother’ and ‘father’ in its regulations

Local Officials Oppose Bill Changing Parental Terms in New York

In a swift response, officials in Hempstead Township are mobilizing against a newly passed Democratic bill in New York that would substitute “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral terminology like “expectant parent” and “non-pregnant parent.” The legislation also modifies “paternity” to “parent-child relationship.”

Proponents argue that this measure aims to create a more inclusive environment for individuals with diverse gender identities. The bill is currently awaiting the decision of Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.

Hempstead Township Supervisor John Ferretti expressed his discontent, labeling the bill as “nonsense.” He shared that upon discovering the changes, he felt compelled to inform his wife, as well as their young daughter, about the alterations made in Albany.

“When I told her, she was furious and asked, ‘Can I still call you dad?'” Ferretti recounted, emphasizing the personal impact of the legislation.

This situation hits particularly close to home for Ferretti. “We need to uphold the traditional terms of ‘mother’ and ‘father’ here in America’s largest township,” he noted, asserting their stance against what he termed “woke nonsense.”

Although the legislative session concluded recently, Hochul has until the end of the year to endorse the bill. When approached about it, she mentioned that she wouldn’t comment on pending bills until decisions are made.

Ferretti expressed hope that Hochul would reject the bill but suggested that politics might influence her decision-making process. He also mentioned that Hempstead’s emergency resolution aims to ensure the continued use of “mother” and “father” within local laws, irrespective of state legislative changes.

“We won’t allow the New York State Legislature to erase the traditional family,” Ferretti asserted, criticizing the choice to replace long-standing terms rather than adding to them. The resolution has garnered support from multiple Republican leaders in Nassau County.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman also aired his grievances on social media, promising to defend traditional parental terms if elected governor.

This controversy is just the latest cultural backdrop in Hempstead, a predominantly Republican area with around 800,000 residents. Local officials have previously taken stances on issues like banning biological males from competing in women’s sports.

Conservative groups have joined the opposition against the bill, arguing that it dehumanizes individuals by reducing their identities to mere reproductive capabilities. Many feel the language shifts undermine the richness of individuals’ experiences and identities.