Skip to Content

Cheating on your spouse is no longer a crime in New York, with the repeal of a little-known 1907 law

KEYT

Associated Press

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York has repealed a seldom-used law over a century old that made it a crime to cheat on your spouse. The misdemeanor once could have landed adulterers in jail for three months. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill on Friday repealing the statute. The law dates back to 1907 and has long been considered difficult to enforce. Hochul said it was “silly” for the state to have such a rule in place. Adultery bans are actually law in several states, though charges are rare and convictions even rarer. Some states have also moved to repeal their adultery laws in recent years.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content