Text of NC H 1323 (2007)
Repeal Cohabitation Law.
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As introduced
1,391 characters
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2007
H
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HOUSE BILL 1323
Short Title: Repeal Cohabitation Law.
(Public)
Sponsors:
Representative Wright.
Referred to: Judiciary II.
April 5, 2007
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT TO REPEAL THE LAW THAT PROHIBITS COHABITATION IN THIS
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STATE.
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Whereas, the law prohibiting cohabitation in this State was enacted in 1805;
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and
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Whereas, North Carolina is one of seven states with laws still prohibiting
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cohabitation; and
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Whereas, pursuant to a lawsuit filed in Pender County in 2005, the judge
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ruled that the "201-year-old" law barring unmarried couples from living together is
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unconstitutional because it violates an individual's right to liberty under the U.S.
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Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas; and
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Whereas, the ruling in Pender County does not have statewide application;
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and
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Whereas, the law prohibiting cohabitation in this State is rarely enforced, and
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when enforced, it is used primarily in domestic cases by an estranged spouse; and
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Whereas, approximately 144,000 unmarried couples currently live together in
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this State; Now, therefore,
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The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
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SECTION 1. G.S. 14-184 is repealed.
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SECTION 2. This act is effective when it becomes law.
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