New York Gov. Kathy Hochul arrives ahead of Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit to the 9/11 Memorial, in New York, U.S., April 29, 2026. Yuki Iwamura/Pool via REUTERS
(New York, New York) – New York Democrats have advanced a bill that would replace gendered parental terms in parts of state law, including “mother” and “father,” with language such as “gestating parent” and “non-gestating parent.”
The measure is sponsored by Democratic State Sen. Luis R. Sepúlveda and is being framed by supporters as an effort to make state law more inclusive.
Critics say the bill is another example of Albany Democrats pushing language changes that erase traditional family terms from official government wording.
The proposal comes as Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York Democrats continue to face backlash from conservatives over culture-war issues, education policy, gender identity debates and parental rights.
Supporters argue the language is meant to reflect different family structures and modernize outdated legal wording.
Opponents say replacing words like “mother” and “father” is unnecessary and out of touch with most New Yorkers.
