A Democratic lawmaker in New Hampshire says adultery should not be treated as a crime any longer, and he’s brought forth a bill to repeal the law — which hasn’t been enforced for a decade anyway.
Rep. Tim O’Flaherty said he was inspired to introduce the bill after the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled in 2003 that gay partners couldn’t be charged with adultery, The Associated Press reported. He also said it’s a privacy issue for him.
“I don’t think there’s any appetite in New Hampshire to use police powers to enforce a marriage,” he told the Senate Judiciary Committee during a public hearing on his proposal, AP reported.
Currently, adultery carries a Class B misdemeanor tag and a fine of up to $1,200, AP said.
Gov. Maggie Hassan will probably sign the repeal, her spokesman said.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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