Gender Neutral Language: A8382-A Paulin / S9316 Sepulveda

MEMORANDUM OF OPPOSITION

A.8382-A Paulin / S.9316 Sepulveda
Replaces the terms father, mother, and filiation to gender neutral language; repealer

The above-referenced legislation would make various changes to the law to remove the terms “father,” “mother,” and “filiation” in favor of so-called “gender-neutral” language. The New York State Catholic Conference is opposed to this latest politically charged, unnecessary bill.

As New Yorkers continue to face an affordability crisis, the legislature has once again shown that their priorities are focused on political pandering and appeasing a small group of very loud advocates. Erasing the terms “mother” and “father” from our laws will not help struggling New Yorkers afford groceries, access healthcare, or find housing, but it will further muddy what is true and good. The truth is that mothers are mothers, and fathers are fathers. Words matter, and serious changes to our governing language serve only to wash away the importance of these roles in our society.

The years-long push in our State for abortion on demand and up until birth, the endless millions of dollars funneled to Planned Parenthood, and the legalization of commercial surrogacy have reduced women to vessels and babies to disposable commodities. The legislature’s final twist of the knife is now apparently removing the term “mother” altogether. We must reverse course and recognize the importance of both mothers and fathers and pursue changes that truly support women and families.

This bill might appease a small group of people, but its wholesale effect will be to mock the foundation of the family. We urge you to veto this upsetting legislation and uphold the importance of both mothers and fathers in our State.