Official New York State legislative records and announcements

Gov. Hochul Repeals New York's 117-Year-Old Adultery Law

Nov 22, 2024, 09:34 PM

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill on Friday repealing a 117-year-old law that criminalized adultery in the state. The 1907 law, which was rarely enforced, made adultery a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail. The bill was sponsored by Long Island Assemblyman Charles Lavine, who argued that the antiquated law was primarily used to curb the state's divorce rate at a time when claiming adultery was the only legal path to split up. Only five people have been prosecuted under the law since its enactment. In a statement, Governor Hochul said, "While I've been fortunate to share a loving married life with my husband for 40 years—making it somewhat ironic for me to sign a bill decriminalizing adultery—I know that people often have complex relationships. These matters should clearly be handled by these individuals."