Mass. Bill Would Ban Sex at Home for Divorcing Parents

Yes, you are reading that
headline correctly: A measure proposed in Massachusetts would

make it illegal for parents in the midst of divorce proceedings
to engage in “a dating or sexual relationship” within the marital
home. The mandate would apply not only until a divorce is final but
until “all financial and custody issues are resolved.” Is
Massachusetts nanny statism trying to parody
itself? 

It seems highly improbable this bill could pass the state
legislature, let alone stand up in court. And even in some bizarro
universe where this could hold up, I’m not sure how it could
possibly be enforced (though it could sure muck up custody battles
a little more). 

Still, I thought it was worth sharing as a particularly
egregious example of politicians’ overreach and arrogance. State
Sen. Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) is behind Bill S.787, filed “by
request” on behalf of one of his constituents. Here’s the full
text: 

In divorce, separation, or 209A proceedings involving children
and a marital home, the party remaining in the home shall not
conduct a dating or sexual relationship within the home until a
divorce is final and all financial and custody issues are resolved,
unless the express permission is granted by the courts.

According to MALegislature.gov,
it’s been referred to the Joint Committee on the
Judiciary.