New York State Senator Luis Sepúlveda is backing legislation that would change family law by replacing several sex-specific terms with gender-neutral language. Senate Bill S9316 would change words like “mother,” “father,” and “paternity” to terms such as “gestating parent,” “non-gestating parent,” and “parentage.” The “same as” Assembly Bill A8382A introduced by Assemblymember Amy Paulin has already passed.
According to the bill’s sponsors, the goal is to modernize state law and better reflect the diversity of today’s families. The proposed changes are intended to recognize families formed through adoption, surrogacy, assisted reproduction, and same-sex parenting. Among other updates, the legislation would replace references to “paternity” proceedings with “parentage” proceedings and revise sections of state law to use more inclusive language.
Supporters say the bill brings legal terminology in line with current family structures and court rulings that acknowledge a wider range of parental relationships. Sepúlveda, who serves as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has said the legislation is designed to create consistency across New York’s laws and legal system.
Not everyone agrees with the changes. Critics argue that replacing traditional terms such as “mother” and “father” is unnecessary and could erase language that many families consider meaningful. As a result, the proposal has sparked debate among lawmakers, advocacy groups, and the public over how best to balance inclusivity with long-established legal terminology.
The bill is now awaiting signing by Governor Kathy Hochul.
