This is shocking to see.
A controversial proposal advancing through New York’s legislature is drawing national attention after lawmakers voted to replace traditional terms such as “mother” and “father” in portions of state law with gender-neutral language.
The measure, which recently passed the New York State Senate, would substitute terms like “gestating parent” and “non-gestating parent” in certain legal documents and statutes. The bill is now headed to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk, where it awaits review.
The proposal has sparked a heated debate over parental rights, family values, and the role of government in redefining long-established language.
Critics Say Traditional Family Terms Are Being Erased
Fox News host Maria Bartiromo strongly criticized the legislation during a recent broadcast of Sunday Morning Futures, arguing that the changes undermine the importance of mothers and fathers.
“That’s disgusting,” Bartiromo said while discussing the proposal with Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Republican representing New York.
Bartiromo questioned why lawmakers would seek to replace words that generations of Americans have used to describe parents and families.
“We’re not supposed to say mother and father now?” she asked. “Think about everything mothers and fathers do for their children. Why would government officials want to remove those words from state law?”
For many critics, the issue goes beyond simple terminology. They argue the legislation reflects a broader effort to replace traditional language with politically driven alternatives.
What Would Change Under the Bill?
According to reports, the legislation would revise several terms currently used in New York law.
Among the proposed changes:
- “Mother” would become “gestating parent”
- “Father” would become “non-gestating parent”
- “Paternity” would become “parentage”
Supporters say the revisions are intended to make legal language more inclusive of different family structures.
Opponents argue that the existing terms already provide clarity and are widely understood by the public.
Another Political Flashpoint in New York
Rep. Claudia Tenney called the proposal another example of Democratic lawmakers focusing on ideological issues rather than the everyday concerns facing New Yorkers.
Tenney argued that rising taxes, public safety concerns, and affordability challenges are driving many residents to leave the state.
She suggested that proposals like this further alienate working families who feel disconnected from the priorities of state leaders.
The debate arrives as cultural issues continue to dominate political conversations across the country. Questions involving education, parental rights, gender policies, and government language have become major topics for voters heading into future elections.
Hochul Faces Growing Pressure
Governor Kathy Hochul has not yet announced whether she will sign the legislation.
During a recent press conference, Hochul said she had not fully reviewed the proposal and would wait until the legislative process is complete before making a decision.
The governor has until the end of the year to determine the bill’s fate.
If signed into law, the measure could make New York one of the highest-profile states to formally replace traditional parental terms in portions of its legal code.
For supporters, the bill represents a step toward inclusivity. For critics, it represents another example of government moving away from language that millions of American families still embrace.
As the legislation heads to the governor’s desk, the debate over family, identity, and the future of traditional language in state law is likely far from over.