New York lawmakers have passed a bill to repeal a little-known law from 1907 that makes adultery a crime in the state. The state Senate approved the bill almost unanimously, and it is now up to Governor Kathy Hochul to make the final decision. The state Assembly passed the measure last month. Adultery is still a crime in several states throughout the country, but it is rarely enforced. The New York law was originally implemented to reduce the number of divorces when adultery was the only way to secure a legal split. Adultery is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with another person while one or both parties have a living spouse.
The law banning adultery has been on the books for over 100 years but has not been widely used in recent decades. The most recent adultery charge in New York was filed in 2010 against a woman caught engaging in a sex act in a public park, but it was later dropped as part of a plea bargain. Adultery is still considered a crime in other states, mostly as a misdemeanor, with a few states like Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Michigan treating it as a felony offense. This repeal of the adultery law in New York is seen as a step towards modernizing the state’s legal framework and reflecting changing societal norms around relationships and marriage.
Governor Hochul’s office has stated that she will review the legislation before making a decision on whether to sign the bill into law. The potential repeal of the adultery law in New York is part of a broader effort to revisit outdated and rarely enforced laws that may no longer align with current societal values. With the passage of this bill, New York could join other states that have already repealed similar laws or have chosen not to enforce them. The move to repeal the adultery law in New York reflects a changing perspective on issues related to personal relationships and the role of the state in regulating private behavior.
The stigma around adultery has evolved over time, with many now viewing it as a matter best left to individuals and not the criminal justice system. Critics of the adultery law argue that it is outdated and no longer serves a practical purpose in today’s society. Supporters of the repeal believe that individuals should have the freedom to make their own choices in their personal lives without the threat of legal consequences. The repeal of the adultery law in New York is seen as a step towards decriminalizing consensual adult behavior and ensuring that the state’s laws are in line with modern values and beliefs.
Overall, the decision to repeal the adultery law in New York marks a significant milestone in the state’s legal history and reflects a broader shift towards reevaluating outdated and rarely enforced statutes. By repealing this law, New York is taking a step towards aligning its legal framework with contemporary views on personal relationships and the autonomy of individuals. As Governor Hochul considers whether to sign the bill into law, the state awaits a final decision on the fate of this long-standing statute that has been on the books for over a century.
