California moves to let gay men cite selves as ‘mother’ on birth records

[Jazzy]

In California, it may soon be legal for gay men to list themselves as “mother” on birth certificates, and similarly, for lesbians to cite themselves as “father.”

Or, the gay parent could simply opt for the more generic label of “parent,” The Associated Press reported.

That’s because lawmakers on Thursday passed through the state Assembly with a 51-13 vote a measure to “modernize” the definition of the family to reflect same-sex unions.

Currently, birth certificate documents in the state have a space for “mother” and another space for “father.” AB 1951 sponsor Jimmy Gomez, a Democrat who represents Los Angeles, says the form is discriminatory and demands revision.

“The definition of a family needs to be more flexible, and same-sex parents should not be discriminated against when filling out a birth certificate,” he said, in a press release. “Under AB 1951, same-sex parents will be able to accurately identify each parent as mother, father or parent.”

Source

Do you think the definition of a family needs to be more flexible? Why / Why not?

 

[gaze-universe]

I don't really understand why a man should be able to use a female wording for themselves. Or vice versa. It would make more sense to allow both men or women to choose 'father' or 'mother' or then the third option, 'parent'. Because you can be a parent even if you're not related by blood. Father and mother, not really that flexible words, like brother and sister aren't interchangeable.

 

[Nebulous]

I don't really understand why a man should be able to use a female wording for themselves. Or vice versa. It would make more sense to allow both men or women to choose 'father' or 'mother' or then the third option, 'parent'. Because you can be a parent even if you're not related by blood. Father and mother, not really that flexible words, like brother and sister aren't interchangeable.

I agree, they should just have 2 spaces for father or 2 spaces for mother on certain birth certificates.