What is sodomy?
Sodomyis anal copulation by a man inserting his penis in the anus of another,man or woman. If accomplished by force, sodomy is a felony in all states in the same way that rapeis. Sodomy between consenting adults has been found a felony in thepast, but increasingly it is either decriminalized or seldomprosecuted. What is the Status of Sodomy Laws Today?Traditionally sodomy was called a "crime against nature" and by the mid 1900's sodomy was illegal in every U.S.state. Since then, laws have moved away from religious doctrine and thepunishment for consensual sodomy has become either less severe or evennon-existent. Presently, the list of states that have overturned theirdecisions is growing. States that prohibit sodomy:Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah and Virginia States that prohibit sodomy between same-sex couples only:
Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas
InJune 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that sodomy laws wereunconstitutional, thus granting gays the constitutional right to sexualprivacy in the bedroom between consenting adults.
What Effect Do Sodomy Laws Have on Gay Couples?In states where the act of sodomy itself or as between gay couplesis prohibited, gay couples are forced to hide their relationship forfear of committing a crime. Thus, it provides an additional stigmawhich heterosexual couples do not normally face in such states. Do I Need An Attorney if I am Arrested for Sodomy?If you are charged with the crime of sodomy, it is a very serious matter and you need legal representation. An experienced criminal defense attorney will fight for your interests and help you through the complicated legal system. |
