No False Promises of Marriage in South Carolina
Love and relationships can be complicated, but in South Carolina, making a false promise of marriage can actually land you in legal trouble. That’s right—under state law, it is illegal to seduce someone by falsely claiming you intend to marry them.
The Law Explained
South Carolina law specifically states that it is unlawful for a man to falsely promise marriage to a woman in order to seduce her. While this law may sound outdated, it was originally enacted to protect women from deception and potential ruin in a time when societal norms placed immense value on marital status and purity.
Why Was This Law Created?
In the past, a woman’s reputation and future could be severely damaged if she engaged in premarital relations, especially if she was misled into believing marriage was certain. This law was meant to hold men accountable for misleading women under false pretenses.
Does It Still Apply Today?
Technically, yes—this law is still on the books, though it is rarely, if ever, enforced. With modern views on relationships and gender equality, laws like this are often seen as relics of a bygone era. However, in theory, someone could still be sued for damages if they tricked another person into a relationship with a false marriage proposal.
Final Thoughts
While this law may seem strange today, it reflects a time when marriage was deeply tied to social status and personal well-being. So if you’re making big promises in South Carolina, make sure you mean them—because love may be blind, but the law certainly isn’t!
