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Senate votes to repeal archaic statutes including blasphemy, ‘common night walker’ and petite treason
Summary
The Massachusetts Senate advanced a broad measure (S.1034) to repeal archaic and discriminatory statutes — including blasphemy and a ‘common night walker’ provision — and to establish a commission to identify other outmoded laws. The bill passed to be engrossed after floor debate and amendments were adopted.
The Massachusetts Senate voted to advance a bill to remove archaic and discriminatory language from the state statutes and establish an ongoing review commission. Senators described provisions to repeal laws dating back centuries, including statutes criminalizing blasphemy and a provision commonly called the “common night walker” law.
Senator William N. Brownsberger, sponsor of Senate No. 1034, told the chamber the bill “strikes archaic laws” and removes statutes that have been used to stigmatize relationships and target marginalized communities. “These ancient laws are totally inconsistent with the principles which are built…
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