Rick, most of the world's "purtian" laws come courtesy of the British Empire. Not to say toher cultures didn't ban certain behavior, but for the most part it wasn't codified and was dealt with a wink and a nod rather than legal action.
Apparently New Hampshire is revolting. Against the laws of the British Empire, I mean.
http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/new_hampshire_passes_law