Associated Press
About 1 million Floridians are breaking state law by committing lewd and lascivious acts and a state senator doesn’t want them to be punished for it.
The Senate Criminal Justice Committee unanimously agreed Monday when they approved Sen. Eleanor Sobel‘s bill, SB 1078, to repeal a law that makes it illegal for unmarried men and women to live together.
The Democrat of Hollywood said the law was enacted in 1868, and anyone breaking it could be fined $500 and sentenced to 60 days in jail. She also said times have changed, and the government shouldn’t interfere with the lives of consenting adults.
A House version of the bill, HB 4045, also was approved Monday by the Criminal Justice Subcommittee. Republican Rep. Charles Van Zant of Palatka voted against it, saying marriage was God’s first institution.
Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
