Infidelity, also called adultery, is simply the act of cheating in a relationship or marriage. Some erudite describe it as a violation of a given set of rules in a relationship. Infidelity is a form of betrayal in any relationship and usually culminates into the feelings of rage, rivalry and seeking revenge.
Facts on the ground
- The percentage of individuals having sexual affairs outside their marriage has been on the rise over the past few decades.
- It’s no doubt that workplaces are increasingly becoming a safe haven for romance, due to the fact that co-workers are spending a tantalizing amount of hours together.
Is adultery a criminal offense?
In order to effectively answer this question, you need to know the legal definition of infidelity. Legally, infidelity is defined as a voluntary relationship between two people, where at least one person is married and the other isn’t the person’s spouse. Different countries have their own set of laws regarding infidelity. In many nations, it isn’t a criminal offense. In some few nations, it’s a great offense punishable by law. However, in almost all nations, infidelity serves as a ground for divorce.
The global picture
India
In India, infidelity isn’t a crime. In September 2018, the supreme court of India voted to repeal the anti-adultery laws that existed since the colonial era. They regarded them as outdated and believe such laws violate article 21 of the Indian constitution that advocates for personal liberty.
Europe
Many countries in this continent that were still clinging to anti-infidelity laws had them repealed in the late 20th century. Austria and Romania were the last countries in Europe to decriminalize adultery in 1997 and 2006 respectively.
Latin America
Just like in Europe, Latin America nations comprising Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico and Panama among others scrapped off the archaic historic laws that place citizens’ sexual misdeeds under the court’s control. This was in the 1990s.
United States
Most states, New York included, regard adultery as minor wrongdoing. Nevertheless, in Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Idaho among others, infidelity is regarded as a felony crime that warrants up to 5yrs imprisonment in the state penitentiary, or huge fines. The reason behind is few politicians being willing to vocally oppose anti-infidelity laws. Besides, many Americans support the idea that these laws serve as a moral guide and must be followed to the latter.
Asia
In South Korea, the anti-infidelity laws had a firm grip even in the 21st century, only to be scraped off in 2015. In East Asia, these laws still prevail, particularly in Taiwan and the Philippines.
The Muslim world
In Islamic nations, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the North African nations, zina (sex outside marriage) is strictly forbidden. Such crimes are punishable by imprisonment, fines, flogging and to the extreme end, death penalty.
Australia
In Australia infidelity isn’t a crime. In fact, in 1975 adultery was abolished as a ground for divorce. That doesn’t mean that the act itself isn’t hurting. If you are suspicious that your partner is having an outside affair, and you want to avoid risking your relationship, why not hire a Perth private investigator? Every Australian knows this.
Advantages of hiring a Perth private investigator
- They operate nationwide.
- They use the latest equipment for surveillance and their methods in unraveling the truth are government approved.
- They embrace secrecy and all documents will be kept private till they complete their task.
- They are extremely effective.
What does the United Nations have to say?
The UN condemns the anti-adultery laws saying they violate the rights to privacy.
My verdict on infidelity
Betrayal isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Yes, infidelity is a crime and I recommend strict laws against such practices if we are to make the world a better place. After all, it hurts so bad to find out that your trust in your longtime partner had been misplaced. Let’s hold hands to combat such vices in the society, shall we?