Trump Criticizes Surrogacy Bill at New York Rally

Trump’s Remarks on Surrogacy Bill

During a rally in Syracuse on Friday, President Donald Trump criticized the terminology used in a New York surrogacy bill. He was campaigning for Bruce Blakeman, the Republican gubernatorial nominee. The bill, passed by state lawmakers, updates the language concerning surrogacy.

Speaking to the audience at the Oncenter, Trump mocked the legislation for replacing terms like “mother” and “father” with “gestating parent” and “non-gestating parent.” He joked about these changes, saying, “You can no longer say ‘mother, hi mom!’ It’s ‘hi gestating.’” His comments were met with laughter from his supporters.

Trump’s Broader Criticism

Trump linked this legislation to broader issues and criticized Governor Kathy Hochul’s stance on transgender healthcare for minors and her support for women’s sports. He shifted the focus to Blakeman, portraying him as a better alternative to the current leadership.

The event also featured former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, who briefly joined Trump on stage and expressed his support, calling Trump “my president.”

Campaign Implications

Several thousand supporters attended the event, as reported by the New York Post. Governor Hochul’s office emphasized that no legislation changes their belief that “mothers are mothers and fathers are fathers.”

Polls suggest Hochul is maintaining a lead in the governor’s race. An Emerson College Polling/PIX11 News survey conducted from October 3 to 5 indicated a 12-point lead for Hochul, with 52% support compared to Blakeman’s 40%. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.

Explaining the Bill

The surrogacy bill alters the language in legal parentage procedures, using terms like “gestating” and “non-gestating” parents. It also replaces “paternity” hearings with “parentage” hearings. Proponents argue the wording addresses technical legal issues related to surrogacy.

Opponents believe the terminology undermines traditional family roles and grants more control to state authorities. Blakeman labeled the changes as “insane,” claiming they remove parental authority. Hochul’s office countered by saying the legislation addresses specific legal questions.

Polls Reflect Voter Preferences

Polls show Blakeman trailing Hochul in the race. A Marist Poll conducted from October 1 to 4 showed Hochul leading by 11 points. Previous surveys reported varying margins but consistently positioned Hochul ahead.

The Siena University Poll from September found Hochul with a nine-point lead. All surveys indicate her maintaining an edge over Blakeman, despite minor differences in results.