Seoul, Feb 27: Abolishing their old adultery law under which adulterers could be sentenced up to two years in jail, Korea has given a free license to have sex with spouses of others.
Annuling the previous law on February 26, the Constitutional Court has said that the old law violated people’s sexual privacy and has been misused in multiple occasions.
Publishing the court’s verdict, the Korea Times reported , “Punishing people for committing adultery infringes on people’s sexual self-determination and the freedom for privacy. So the clause is unconstitutional.”
The law pertaining to adultery has been reviewed for the fifth time in Korea. Previously, lawmakers supported the controversial clause because they believed it maintained social order and protected marriages and families.
With the cancellation of the law, around 5,466 people who have been accused of adultery since October 2011 will be able to either apply for retrials or, if they were jailed, can request for compensation from the government.
The unexpected court’s verdict has sparked a great deal of criticism in the country although some consider this a step forward towards sexual freedom. Critics have said this decision will now promote immorality.
Meanwhile, Korea’s biggest condom maker Unidus is celebrating this legal change as they’re seeing their stock price skyrocket following the news. Shares rose 15% which is the daily limit set by the KOSDAQ. (With Inputs From Agencies)
