Full Breakdown
Hempstead Township Moves to Block State Bill Replacing “Mother” and “Father” with Gender-Neutral Terms
6/11/2026, 6:50:59 AM
Background: State Bill on Parental Language
The New York State Legislature passed a Democrat-backed bill that would replace “mother” with “gestating parent,” “father” with “non-gestating parent,” and change “paternity” to “parentage.” The measure cleared both chambers and now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul, who has until year-end to sign or veto. Hochul said she has not yet reviewed the proposal and will not comment on pending legislation.
Hempstead Emergency Resolution
Hempstead Township, the nation’s most populated township (?800,000 residents), adopted an emergency resolution days after the state bill’s passage. Supervisor John Ferretti said the measure aims to keep “mother” and “father” in town ordinances regardless of state action. He called the state bill “woke nonsense” and an “insult” to his family, arguing it erases the traditional parental terms.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Kathy Hochul said, “I have until the end of the year to review them and make a decision, so I won’t be commenting on pending legislation.” The bill’s passage by the Legislature is the only official action reported; no further justification from state officials appears in the sources.
Criticism & Opposition
Republican officials and conservative groups denounced the bill, calling it demeaning and labeling the language change as “insanity.” Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra, State Sen. Steve Rhoads, Assemblywoman Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman pledged to protect “moms and dads.” Concerned Women for America’s Maggie McKneely said the measure reduces women to reproductive organs and dehumanizes both parents. Ferretti suggested Governor Hochul may wait until after the election to act.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As a father of two, it was an insult to me and to my wife,” — John Ferretti, Hempstead Township Supervisor
- “In Kathy Hochul's New York, 'mom' is now defined as 'gestating parent,'" Blakeman wrote.” — Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive (Republican gubernatorial candidate)
- “It reduces women to just their reproductive organs, but women are so much more than that.” — Maggie McKneely, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources do not provide the resolution’s exact text, the bill’s passage date, or any detailed comment from Governor Hochul beyond her procedural remark. The bill’s final legal status remains unknown.
What’s Next
Governor Hochul must decide by year-end whether to sign or veto the bill. Hempstead officials say they will keep traditional parental terms in local ordinances regardless of the outcome. Republican officials, including Blakeman, have pledged continued opposition.
