State asking to eliminate law against adultery

The law against adultery hasn’t been enforced in nearly ten years. However, if it were, the misdemeanor carries a fine of $1,200.

Saying it’s outdated and nearly impossible to prosecute, the state of New Hampshire is about to do away with the legislation altogether.

The bill, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Tim O'Flaherty, has already passed the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration. Governor Maggie Hassan has said if the bill comes to her desk, she will sign it.

O'Flaherty told the Washington Post, during public meetings on the issue, one man urged him to leave the law on the books.

"If we retain adultery as a crime, we may deter an otherwise law-abiding citizen from falling into the trap of that repugnant behavior," the man commented.

Further investigation found that man had once tried to file a criminal adultery complaint against his wife.

The woman wasn’t charged.

New Hampshire isn’t the only state with a law against cheating.

21 states currently consider adultery a crime with several classifying it as a felony. Those states include Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Idaho, Massachusetts, and Michigan.

More here.