Bill replacing ‘mother’ and ‘father’ with gender-neutral terms passes in New York, heads to Hochul’s desk

Bill replacing 'mother' and 'father' with gender-neutral terms passes in New York, heads to Hochul's desk

'Mother' becomes 'gestating parent' and 'father' becomes 'non-gestating parent' under the proposal

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for June 5

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

New York Democrats recently passed a bill that would remove the words "mother" and "father" from parts of state law, sending the legislation to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk for final approval.

Under the new bill, targeting state child custody and parental laws, "mother" becomes "gestating parent," "father" becomes "non-gestating parent," and "paternity" becomes "parentage."

It passed in the state Senate this week after progressing through the Assembly in March.

WISCONSIN GOVERNOR'S PUSH TO ERASE GENDERED LANGUAGE FROM STATE LAW IGNITES DEBATE

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke during a news conference at the WIN NYC family shelter on March 5, 2026, in New York City. (Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Democrats who drafted the legislation claimed the wording shift would promote "inclusivity," while critics claim the change is unnecessary, with the legislative session having ended for the year on Thursday, FOX 5 New York reported.

Hochul said during a news conference that she isn’t familiar with the proposal, but promised to review 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," Hochul said.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul sit together in a photo. The bill has been sent to Hochul's desk for final approval. (Allison Robbert/Getty Images)

80% OF AMERICANS OPPOSE GENDER CRAZINESS BUT THE LEFT STILL CLING TO IT

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman shared multiple posts responding to the bill on social media Friday.

"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."

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is formally named the GOP candidate for New York governor at the New York Republican State Committee nominating convention in Garden City, N.Y., on Feb. 11, 2026. (Howard Schnapp/Newsday RM via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"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.

Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., reacted to the bill on X Thursday, saying, "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."

Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.

She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.

Support Everyday Chronicle
Global reporting requires independent voices. If you value our coverage, please consider a small contribution to help us grow.
​Click the button below to make a secure donation