New York Gendered Language Bill Passed

New York legislators have approved a significant bill that updates gendered terminology in state child custody and family court laws. The bill substitutes traditional terms like “mother” and “father” with “gestating parent” and “non-gestating parent.”

This legislation, introduced by Democrat Assemblymember Amy Paulin and State Senator Luis Sepúlveda, passed in the New York State Assembly back in March and recently made its way through the Senate.

As part of the new law, legal cases that once focused on “paternity” will now be referred to as “parentage” cases. Additionally, a man who is biologically connected to a child but lacks an official legal relationship will now be called an “alleged parent,” rather than a “putative father.”

The push for this change comes as Governor Kathy Hochul and her fellow Democrats navigate ongoing criticism from conservative factions over cultural and educational policies, as well as debates surrounding identity and parental rights.

While supporters of the bill frame it as a necessary update, critics feel it demonstrates a pattern of Albany Democrats removing traditional family language from government terminology.

State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar, who has extensive experience working in the Senate and Assembly, expressed his concerns, stating, “It’s an example of how out of tune the New York legislature is. It’s an unnecessary and wasteful use of time…” He continued, saying that potential new residents might find such changes off-putting.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman remarked, “Democrats led by Kathy Hochul have continued their declaration of war on New York families by canceling the loving terms of Mom and Dad…” He criticized the focus on redefining such core concepts amid pressing issues like high taxes and public safety.

U.S. Representative Claudia Tenney added, “This is yet another example of out-of-touch politicians prioritizing progressive ideology over the issues that actually matter to hardworking New Yorkers.”

When asked about the bill, Hochul admitted she was not completely familiar with it, stating, “Well, I’m not familiar with what was introduced. I’ll take a look at it. This has been my practice for five years.”

The detailed, over 15,000-word legislation now awaits Hochul’s signature or veto. Should she sign it, the new terms are set to take effect on November 1st.