Hempstead opposes New York change in parenting terminology

Town of Hempstead officials led by Supervisor John Ferretti filed a resolution June 8 that would mandate the use of “mother” and “father” in town code in response to pending state legislation addressing the labeling of biological parents.

The resolution, scheduled to be considered at the June 9 board meeting, responds to legislation approved by the state Senate and Assembly last week. Bills S9316 and A8382, would replace certain references to “mother” and “father” with terms such as “gestating parent” and “non-gestating parent” in portions of state law.  

Ferretti, who is running for re-election, said the resolution would preserve parental labels in the town code, building zone ordinance and municipal forms, public applications and operational documents.

“As America’s largest township, I believe it’s our responsibility to lead the way in the fight to preserve traditional family values that form the foundation of our communities,” he said. “The town board and I are proud to advance this first-of-its kind resolution and stand with the mothers and fathers of Hempstead as we stop this wrecking ball to American values.”

Jeanine Driscoll, the town’s receiver of taxes and a Republican candidate for the 4th Congressional District, called the legislation a waste of taxpayer money. A mother of five, Driscoll said her family is built on the “premise of togetherness,” and that the proposed legislation by Democrats in Albany attacks mothers and fathers.

“We are looking at rising rents and energy costs, as well as failing schools in New York City, and yet this is where the priority is,” she said. “As a mother, they’re trying to eradicate what I’ve done, what other mothers have done, and what children have done in support of their parents. “It means nothing to them.”

Gordon Tepper, a spokesman for Gov. Kathy Hochul, said that the legislation addresses technical legal issues related to surrogacy and parentage.

“The governor believes mothers are mothers and fathers are fathers, and no legislation changes that,” Tepper wrote in a text message. “Anyone making bad-faith arguments is deliberately misleading New Yorkers for political gain.”

If approved, Ferretti said the resolution would serve as a defense of family values for traditional and nontraditional families.

"This affects all people,” he said. “Some children have two mothers or two fathers, not two ‘gestating’ or ‘non-gestating’ parents.”