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Senate votes to remove archaic "blasphemy," "common night walker" and other relics from statutes
Summary
The Senate advanced S.1034 to repeal a set of archaic laws — including a blasphemy statute and language used to criminalize certain conduct — and created a permanent commission to identify additional outdated laws; the chamber adopted amendments including removal of the petite treason offense.
The Massachusetts Senate on Monday ordered S.1034, An Act amending certain archaic laws, to a third reading and passed the measure to be engrossed after adopting several floor amendments that struck antiquated criminal provisions from the General Laws.
Sponsor Senator William N. Brownsberger told colleagues the bill repeals a set of laws rooted in centuries‑old language and practice, including provisions that have been used discriminatorily. “This bill…repeals several archaic laws,” he said, noting some provisions date to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Why it matters: Lawmakers described the package as…
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