NORTH DAKOTA – The state Senate has voted to keep a 113-year-old law that makes it a crime for unmarried couples to live together.

The proposal to repeal the anti-cohabitation law (which says a man and woman may not live together “openly and notoriously” as if they were married) was defeated 26-21.

The offence is listed among other sex crimes, including rape and incest. Violations carry a maximum 30 days in jail and a $1,000 US fine.

"It stands as a reminder that there is right, and there is wrong," said Sen. John Andrist, a Republican. "Just because something can't be enforced, I don't think it necessarily means that we should feel compelled to take a position to take it off the books."

Well, yes, it does. Laws that are not enforced, or are enforced selectively, or which cannot be enforced, weaken the fabric of the law as a whole.

Idiots.