New York’s outdated law criminalizing adultery may soon be repealed, thanks to a new bill proposed in the state legislature. The law, enacted in 1907, makes adultery a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine. However, Assemblyman Charles Lavine believes it is time to do away with the statute, as it mainly targets women and has only been used to prosecute a few individuals in the past five decades.
Lavine, a married man himself, asserts that his wife is also supportive of the repeal push due to her advocacy for women’s and human rights. The law was initially written to curb New York’s divorce rate, as claiming adultery was the only legal way to end a marriage at the time. Lavine acknowledges that it is impossible to determine how many prosecutions occurred in the early days, but his office confirms that at least five people have been convicted of adultery since the 1970s, with the most recent case occurring in 2010.
The proposed repeal has garnered support from New Yorkers, who believe it is time to decriminalize infidelity. Many residents argue that sending someone to jail for cheating is unnecessary and that people make mistakes. They believe that the law is out of touch with the way people experience love and relationships today. New Yorkers also express concerns about the cost and difficulties associated with divorce, suggesting that individuals should be allowed to live their lives without unnecessary legal consequences.
Despite these arguments, there are some individuals who believe that the current law effectively holds people accountable for their actions and encourages loyalty and faithfulness. They argue that cheating should have consequences and that perpetrators should face legal repercussions. However, their views seem to be in the minority.
Assemblyman Lavine’s bill has been overwhelmingly approved in the Assembly and may soon be introduced in the state Senate by sponsor Liz Krueger. Lavine emphasizes that while some people may find the issue amusing, it is not funny to those who have been prosecuted under this outdated law.
In conclusion, the potential repeal of New York’s law criminalizing adultery has sparked a debate among New Yorkers. The majority of residents believe that it is time to decriminalize infidelity, citing the law’s outdated nature and its disproportionate impact on women. They argue that people should be allowed to live their lives without unnecessary legal consequences. However, a minority of individuals believe that the law effectively holds people accountable for cheating and encourages loyalty and faithfulness. The bill proposed by Assemblyman Lavine has received overwhelming support in the Assembly and may soon be introduced in the state Senate.
