In New York State, cheating on your spouse has been a criminal offense for nearly 120 years. However, a new bill is making its way through state lawmakers that could finally remove this rarely enforced law against adultery from the books.
Assemblyman Charles Lavine, the sponsor of the bill, believes that the current law is outdated and no longer reflects modern society's values. He pointed out that since adultery is only considered a Class B misdemeanor, those charged with it don't get a jury trial, leaving their conviction and sentence solely up to a judge's discretion.
While laws against adultery exist in a few other states, they are seldom enforced. These laws originated at a time when adultery was one of the few grounds for divorce. Carol Faulkner, a history professor at the University of Syracuse, explains that these laws were a part of a larger movement for marriage reform in 19th-century America.
If the bill passes, it would mark a significant shift in New York's legal landscape, aligning it more closely with the values of contemporary society. Adultery would no longer be punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine, allowing individuals greater freedom in their personal relationships.
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