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

New York Democrats passed a bill replacing 'mother' and 'father' with gender-neutral terms like 'gestating parent' and 'non-gestating parent' in state child custody and parental laws. The legislation, now awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul's approval, faced criticism from opponents who called the changes unnecessary and claimed they erase traditional family terms.