New JerseyBill would make marriage or penetrative sex between close relatives a crime
If passed, people who marry, enter a civil union, or have penetrative sex with specified close relatives, including relatives by adoption, would commit a crime.
What it does
Marrying, entering a civil union, or having penetrative sex with a covered close relative would be a crime. A conviction could bring prison, a fine, or both.
Argument forA separate charge could let prosecutors address penetrative sex between covered relatives when both adults consent and sexual assault law does not apply.
Argument againstConsenting adults in the covered families could face prison for penetrative sex because the proposed crime has no consent exception.
More detail
New Jersey would make it a crime to marry, enter a civil union, or have penetrative sex with a covered relative. It covers relatives in a direct family line, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Full or half blood ties and parent-child ties by adoption count, whether or not the parents were married. Prosecutors could bring this charge separately from or alongside another sex offense. A conviction could bring three to five years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. If enacted, the new crime would take effect immediately.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 5Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety CommitteeIntroduced
Criminal JusticePublic Safety