New York Lawmakers Vote to Scrap State’s Antiquated Adultery Ban

Adultery would no longer be a criminal offense in New York under legislation awaiting action by the governor.

The state Senate approved legislation (SB 8744) Wednesday that would decriminalize adultery if signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D). The measure would disproportionately benefit women and help New York avoid legitimizing strict bans against adultery in countries like Iran, according to Assembly Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine (D), who sponsored the bill.

New York is among more than 10 states where the practice remains illegal with punishments ranging from fines to incarceration.

Decriminalization would also bring state law ...