In 1983 The Watchtower confined the Greek term rendered ‘fornication’ to conduct outside the marriage, so that a mate’s enforcing such acts inside a marriage no longer gave the other a Scriptural ground for divorce, while adding that practising or openly advocating them could still lead to expulsion under other headings.

The Watchtower, “Honor Godly Marriage!”

15 March 1983 · p.31 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Thus, a mate’s enforcing perverted acts, such as oral or anal sex, within the marriage would not constitute a Scriptural basis for a divorce that would free either for remarriage. … However, if it becomes known that a member of the congregation is practicing or openly advocating perverted sex relations within the marriage bond, that one certainly would not be irreprehensible, and so would not be acceptable for special privileges … Such practice and advocacy could even lead to expulsion from the congregation.”

The article redefines the Greek term rendered ‘fornication’ as covering conduct outside the marriage only, which removes the divorce route the 1974 answer had opened to a wife subjected to such acts against her will. It then reintroduces the possibility of expulsion, not as ‘fornication’ but under the separate headings of ‘uncleanness’ and ‘loose conduct’ at Galatians 5:19-21.

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