Governor to Sign Novel Marriage Bill

Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster said he will sign a bill making Louisiana the first state to establish optional marriage contracts requiring premarital counseling and making it harder to get a divorce. To get out of such a contract, called a “covenant marriage,” a spouse would have to prove physical or sexual abuse, abandonment, adultery or alcoholism, or the couple could live apart for at least two years. No-fault divorces, which do not require a showing of wrongdoing, will still be available for those choosing traditional marriages.