N.Y. lawmakers OK no-fault divorce bill

ALBANY, N.Y., July 2 (UPI) -- New York lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a no-fault divorce bill that would permit couples to split without assigning blame for the marriage's failure.

The Assembly approved the measure 113-19 Thursday, the New York Daily News reported Friday.

"It just gives another option and allows couples to divorce with dignity where right now the system forces one of the members of the couple to be a bad person," said Assemblyman Jonathan Bing, the bill's sponsor.

A spokesman for Gov. David Paterson said the governor would review the bill and supporters expressed optimism he would sign it.

New York is the lone state without some type of no-fault divorce, the Daily News said.

Supporters of the measure said the state's current system creates hardships because couples must either undergo a one-year trial separation before divorcing or one spouse must accuse the other of cruel treatment, adultery or abandonment.

The state chapter of the National Organization for Women and the Catholic Conference opposed the legislation.

"It makes it easier to get out of marriage than it is to get out of a cellphone contract," Catholic Conference spokesman Dennis Poust said