California bill to end ‘mother and father’ on birth certificates moves forward
A California bill, AB 1951, that allows gay parents to identify as “parent” instead of “mother” or “father” on birth certificates was passed by the state assembly by a vote 51-13. The bill also allows multiple people to be listed as parents on birth certificates, with no limit given.
Critics are quick to say the bill shifts the definition of the family in society, noting that this indicates there is “no biological difference between a man and a woman,” viewed as a negative by these groups causing confusion for children.
The bill states: “Under existing law, a certificate of live birth is required to contain, among other things, the full name, birthplace, and date of birth of both the father and mother of a child.
“This bill would instead require the State Registrar, with regard to identification of the parents, to modify the certificate of live birth to contain 2 lines that both read ‘Name of Parent’ and contain, next to each parent’s name, 3 check boxes with the options of mother, father, and parent to describe the parent’s relationship to the child.”
“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,” said Democrat Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez.
Brad Dacus, religious liberty attorney for Pacific Justice Institute said, “It creates greater confusion with regards to the identity of a mother and a father and the role that they play.”
The bill will “prove, undoubtedly, to be a huge disservice to the healthy development of children,” he continued.
The legislation will next be presented at the state senate the Christian Examiner reports.
Dacus believes that other states that have legalized gay marriage will soon propose similar pieces of legislation.
If the bill passes the Senatei, it will be in effect January 1, 2016.