North Carolina adultery law remains on books after repeal effort fails

North Carolina lawmakers killed a bill this week that would have repealed a more-than-a-century-old law that allows people to sue their spouse’s lover for "alienation of affection," according to reports. Members of the House judiciary committee split 4-4 Wednesday on whether to advance the bill, with some of those in favor of keeping it arguing its repeal would be "legalizing adultery," according to the News & Observer in Raleigh. North Carolina is one of only a handful of states that have similar laws. State Rep. Wesley Harris, a Democrat who sponsored the bill, contended the law was both "archaic and antiquated."