Meaning: This quote by Allan Sherman, a musician and comedian known for his humorous and satirical songs, touches on the different attitudes towards adultery and divorce in New York and California. The quote humorously suggests that while adultery is considered the only grounds for divorce in New York, in Southern California, it is seen as grounds for marriage.

In New York, the state's laws historically recognized adultery as the sole grounds for divorce. Under New York's Domestic Relations Law, adultery is defined as the act of engaging in sexual relations with someone other than one's spouse. If one of the spouses can prove that the other committed adultery, it can be used as the legal basis for obtaining a divorce. However, in recent years, New York has also adopted no-fault divorce laws, allowing couples to divorce without proving fault.

On the other hand, California has a "no-fault" divorce system, where couples can dissolve their marriage without having to prove that one spouse was at fault. In California, irreconcilable differences or the breakdown of the marriage are the typical grounds for divorce. This means that adultery, while it may be a factor in the breakdown of the marriage, is not necessarily the primary focus in divorce proceedings in the state.

The quote's reference to Southern California's attitude towards adultery as grounds for marriage is a witty commentary on the perceived cultural differences between the East Coast and the West Coast. It plays on the stereotype of Southern California as a place that embraces a more relaxed and permissive attitude towards relationships and marriage, in contrast to the traditional and conservative views associated with New York.

In a broader context, the quote also reflects the diverse legal and cultural attitudes towards marriage and divorce across different regions and jurisdictions. It highlights the variations in legal frameworks and societal norms that shape the way infidelity and marital issues are addressed within different communities.

Furthermore, the quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the complexities and contradictions inherent in human relationships and societal values. It humorously suggests that what may be considered a negative and destructive act in one place could be viewed as a positive and constructive one in another. This play on contrasting perspectives invites reflection on the subjective nature of moral and ethical standards, as well as the ways in which cultural and social contexts shape our understanding of behaviors such as adultery and the dissolution of marriages.

Overall, Allan Sherman's quote offers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking take on the intersection of law, culture, and human relationships. It serves as a humorous commentary on the differing attitudes towards adultery and divorce in New York and California, while also prompting a deeper consideration of the broader societal dynamics at play in the realms of marriage and infidelity.