A Colorado representative is sponsoring legislation that would repeal the state’s law prohibiting adultery. Passed before Colorado was established as a state, the law bans adultery and prohibits innkeepers from renting rooms to unmarried couples.
Even though most people would agree that it is not the business of government and law enforcement officials to know what’s going on in the private lives of citizens, there have been obstacles to getting this law repealed. Past efforts have been snuffed by lawmakers who thought that repealing the law may send the message that they condone adultery, which would be politically unpopular.
However, there is a difference between condoning certain behavior and recognizing that it is not a behavior to be regulated. Even if the current adultery law is not being enforced and has no real-world implications, advocates of the new legislation say it sends a message that there are places the government should not intervene, specifically a couple’s bedroom.
Colorado is a “no fault” divorce state, meaning that couples do not need to establishing fault when seeking a divorce. As part of the no fault law, adultery does not typically have an effect on divorce settlements or child custody decisions, even if it a plays a role in a couple’s divorce.
If you are going through a divorce it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. Consider working with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process and support you at every step. He or she can aggressively represent your interests so you and your family can pursue the best possible outcome.
Source: KDVR, “Kagan ready to repeal antiquated adultery statute,” Eli Stokols, Feb. 20, 2013
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