As 2025 approaches, several states are considering changes to marriage laws that may have a significant impact. Here are some key legislative updates to watch:
Gender-Neutral Options on Marriage Licenses
• Virginia (HB 1681): This bill proposes adding a gender-neutral option (X) to marriage licenses, allowing nonbinary individuals to select a marker that aligns with their identity.
Covenant Marriage Initiatives
• Missouri (HB 562): The proposed “Missouri Covenant Marriage Act” would create an optional covenant marriage license, emphasizing a lifelong commitment. Couples opting for this would face stricter divorce requirements, such as mandatory marital counseling and a two-year separation period.
• Oklahoma (SB 228): Similar legislation in Oklahoma seeks to establish covenant marriages, requiring couples to pledge their union as a sacred, lifelong commitment. Divorce would only be allowed in cases of abuse, adultery, or abandonment.
Marriage Waiting Period Waivers
• Washington (SB 5116): This bill would allow couples to waive the three-day waiting period for marriage licenses in cases of medical emergencies. Couples would need to provide documentation proving that one partner is at immediate risk of death or incapacity.
Recent Changes in New York
• Adultery Decriminalized: In late 2024, New York repealed a law from 1907 that criminalized adultery. Extramarital affairs are no longer classified as a misdemeanor in the state.
These developments demonstrate the evolving nature of marriage laws across the country. To stay informed, check your state’s legislative updates or consult a legal professional for more details.
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