New York replaced “mother” and “father” with “gestating parent” and “non-gestating parent” in family law. Most voters were unaware of the change, and once informed, they oppose it by over 3 to 1.
Key Takeaways
Half the country had never heard of this law before being surveyed 51% said they had no idea it existed. That makes these results a clean measure of first reaction, and the first reaction is broad-based opposition that spans party, age, race, and income.
Key Takeaways
- 68% of voters oppose the change, including 52% who strongly oppose. Strong opposition alone is nearly three times total support (18%).
- 75% say state law should keep “mother” and “father” because the words are widely used and commonly understood; only 14% prefer gender-neutral legal terms.
- The public sees this as a question of legislative priorities as much as language. 76% of voters, including 70% of Democrats, say lawmakers should be spending their time on other issues.