New York’s Legislature is considering a bill to legalize adultery, potentially repealing a century-old law that carries a three-month jail term, as such laws, still on the books in several states, were historically aimed at reducing divorces.
For over a century, cheating on one’s spouse has been deemed illegal in New York. However, a bill progressing through the New York Legislature could soon legalize adultery in the Empire State, effectively repealing a seldom-enforced law that carries a maximum penalty of three months in jail.
While adultery bans remain in place in several states across the U.S., charges are infrequent and convictions even rarer.
New York’s bill to abolish its adultery ban has already cleared the Assembly and is poised to pass the Senate soon, after which it will head to the governor’s desk for approval.