Lawmaker pushes to repeal Florida law that makes cohabitation a crime

[The Northerner]

(CNN) -- A Florida lawmaker is pushing to repeal a state law that makes it illegal to cohabitate with someone who is not their spouse, and makes it a crime punishable by a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail.

According to 2010 U.S. Census figures, at least 544,907 Floridians reported being an "unmarried partner" -- meaning they live in an intimate relationship with someone they are not married to, and thus are in defiance of Florida statute 798.02.

"If any man or woman, not being married to each other, lewdly and lasciviously associate and cohabit together ... they shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree," the law states.

Last week, state Rep. Ritch Workman filed legislation -- HB 4021 -- to repeal that provision, as well as a related one that bars people from "living in open adultery."

He told HLN's Richelle Carey on Thursday that the current law is unenforceable and unrealistic, especially given the growing numbers of couples in Florida and elsewhere who live together but are not married.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/09/01/florida.cohabitation.law/

[Hugabear]

1. Not surprisingly, there are hardcore conservatives here in Florida fighting that

The extreme religious right here in Florida is trying to make sure those laws, as well as laws against sodomy (you know, 'unnatural' sex) remain on the books. Yes, Florida is one of the states where blowjobs and anal sex are still considered illegal.

[Tx4obama]

5. comment #2 was supposed to be a reply to your post. I put it in the wrong place. n/t

[Tx4obama]

2. Another example of republicans keeping government out of our lives! LOL

:sarcasm:

[my2sense]

4. +1

[AnnieBW]

3. Including a lot of senior citizens

My MIL is among them. When my FIL passed away in 1990, she took up with another gentleman and married him. They had a good 15 years together before cancer caught up with him. Now she's "married" to another elderly gentleman, her neighbor who had also just lost his second wife. He's a 90-year-old Republican geezer, but he treats her well. They were "married" by a priest, but they never got a marriage license and aren't legally married. But, they're cohabitating as man and wife. Trust me, you don't want to hear your MIL talking about her husband's Viagra. :hide:

It would shock my good Catholic MIL to know that she was breaking the law.