Bill would add 'parent' box to birth certificates

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The state Senate approved legislation Thursday that would make California the latest state to modify birth certificates to accommodate same-sex couples who become parents, but not before generating criticism from a Republican lawmaker.

Under the bill, birth certificates in California will have three check boxes for parents starting in January 2016: mother, father and parent. Republican Sen. Jim Nielsen voted against it, saying the change diminishes the traditional definition of parents.