Marriage is a cornerstone of family and community life. When a third party deliberately interferes with a marriage, causing the breakdown of love and trust between spouses, the injured party deserves the right to seek justice. Alienation of affection laws provide this remedy; yet, today, only a handful of states still recognize them. This leaves millions of spouses across the country without equal protection.

 

Background

- Alienation of affection is a civil cause of action, not a program.  

- Historically, these laws gave spouses the right to sue individuals who intentionally undermined their marriage.  

- Most states abolished them in the mid‑20th century, but several states (such as North Carolina, Mississippi, South Dakota, Utah, and New Mexico) still uphold them.  

- The inconsistency across states creates unequal access to justice and undermines the sanctity of marriage nationwide.

 

Statement of Purpose

We, the undersigned, believe that every spouse in America should have the right to defend their marriage against deliberate interference. Alienation of affection laws must be restored and enacted in all fifty states to ensure fairness, accountability, and protection for families.

 

Petition Text

We, the undersigned, call upon the legislatures of all fifty states to enact and uphold alienation of affection laws. This petition reflects the urgent need for every state in the union to recognize and protect the sanctity of marriage. Immediate action is required to ensure that spouses everywhere enjoy the same legal protections as those in states where this law remains in force. We demand that this protection be extended without delay, so that no spouse is left without the right to seek justice when a third party deliberately undermines their marriage.  

 

Closing

By signing this petition, we affirm our commitment to protecting marriage, strengthening families, and ensuring that justice is available to all spouses across the United States.