New York Repeals Century-Old Adultery Law

New York has repealed a 117-year-old law that made adultery a crime, as Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill deeming it outdated and difficult to enforce. Previously, the statute classified cheating as a misdemeanor, potentially resulting in a 90-day jail sentence, but charges were rare, with only five convictions since the 1970s. Hochul noted that such personal matters should be resolved between individuals rather than through the criminal justice system. The law, enacted to complicate divorce proceedings by requiring proof of infidelity, has seen a significant decline in enforcement, reflecting a broader trend of states repealing similar laws. Only 16 states continue to classify adultery as a crime, indicating a shift in societal attitudes towards marital infidelity.