Establishes crime of incest.
If enacted, the legislation will introduce a third degree felony for incestuous relationships that are not already covered under current sexual assault laws. Existing statutes delineate specific scenarios in which sexual offenses are classified as first or second degree, particularly concerning minors, yet adult consensual incest acts remain unaddressed. A2754 seeks to close this legal gap by making incest a prosecutable offense, carrying significant penalties including imprisonment for three to five years and fines up to $15,000.
Assembly Bill A2754 aims to establish the crime of incest in New Jersey, supplementing Chapter 14 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. Under this bill, an actor would be guilty of incest if they marry or engage in sexual penetration with certain relatives, including ancestors, descendants, siblings (full or half-blood), and extended family members such as uncles, aunts, nephews, and nieces of whole blood. The bill encompasses relationships without regard to legitimacy and includes adopted parent-child relationships as well.
Debates surrounding A2754 may center on the definitions of permissible adult relationships and concerns regarding the implications of prosecuting consensual adult behavior. Some legislators may argue that the bill reinforces societal norms against incest, thereby protecting familial integrity. Conversely, opponents may raise ethical questions about the government’s role in regulating consensual adult behavior, particularly when it does not involve coercion or harm. As discussions progress, it will be important to consider both legal and cultural viewpoints on the bill's enactment.