A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to repeal the law that prohibits cohabitation in this state.
Whereas, the law prohibiting cohabitation in this State was enacted in 1805; and
Whereas, North Carolina is one of seven states with laws still prohibiting cohabitation; and
Whereas, pursuant to a lawsuit filed in Pender County in 2005, the judge ruled that the "201‑year-old" law barring unmarried couples from living together is unconstitutional because it violates an individual's right to liberty under the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas; and
Whereas, the ruling in Pender County does not have statewide application; and
Whereas, the law prohibiting cohabitation in this State is rarely enforced, and when enforced, it is used primarily in domestic cases by an estranged spouse; and
Whereas, approximately 144,000 unmarried couples currently live together in this State; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  G.S. 14‑184 is repealed.
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.