Bill > H492

This bill, titled "Relative to the reform of archaic laws implicating certain private consensual intimate conduct between adults," aims to modernize existing laws by removing outdated and offensive language. Specifically, it amends Section 34 of Chapter 272 of the General Laws, replacing the phrase "commits the abominable and detestable crime against nature, either with mankind" with the simpler and more neutral term "engages in sexual relations," thereby decriminalizing private, consensual sexual acts between adults. Additionally, the bill repeals Section 35 of Chapter 272 entirely, which likely contained similar archaic provisions. The context for this reform is to update laws that are no longer considered relevant or appropriate in contemporary society, particularly concerning private consensual intimate conduct.