New York Parent Terms Bill advances as lawmakers approve replacing some parental terms with gender-neutral language in state law

New York State Democrats have advanced legislation that would replace terms such as “mother” and “father” with gender-neutral alternatives including “gestating parent” and “non-gestating parent” in sections of state family law, sparking a fierce political debate over language, parenthood and government priorities.

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The measure, sponsored by State Senator Luis Sepúlveda and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, passed both chambers of the New York Legislature this week and is expected to be sent to Governor Kathy Hochul for consideration.

The proposal would also replace terms such as “paternity” with “parentage” and “putative father” with “alleged parent” in relevant legal proceedings.

Supporters of the legislation argue that the changes are designed to align state law with modern family court practices, particularly in cases involving surrogacy, adoption and same-sex parents.

According to a legislative memo, the revised language reflects existing legal standards and aims to provide consistency across statutes.

Senator Sepúlveda defended the bill, saying the legislation was necessary to ensure consistency with current statutes and case law. Adoption lawyer Leslie Silver-Hoffman also supported the move, noting that many New York families include same-sex parents and that traditional legal terminology does not always reflect modern family structures.

However, the New York Parent Terms Bill has drawn strong criticism from Republican lawmakers, conservative groups and some members of the public, who argue that the proposal unnecessarily replaces widely understood parental terms.

State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick criticised the measure, saying lawmakers should focus on issues such as living costs and public safety rather than changing parental terminology.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman also condemned the proposal, describing it as disconnected from the concerns of ordinary families’

Governor Hochul has not yet indicated whether she will sign the legislation. Speaking to reporters, Governor Hochul said she had not reviewed the proposal and would examine it before making a decision.

The debate surrounding the New York Parent Terms Bill comes amid a broader push in New York to introduce gender-neutral language into official documents and legislation.

Previous measures approved by state lawmakers have encouraged the use of gender-neutral pronouns and expanded legal recognition for non-binary individuals.

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The proposal now awaits executive review in what has become one of the most closely watched and divisive legislative battles of the closing weeks of New York’s legislative session.