Sodomy in law generally refers to certain sexual acts that are criminalized by statute. These acts typically include anal intercourse and oral sex, involving the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another. Historically, sodomy has also encompassed other acts such as bestiality and various non- procreative sexual acts deemed "unnatural" or "against nature" by law
. The exact definition of sodomy varies by jurisdiction, but common elements include:
- Sexual acts involving anal or oral copulation between individuals, regardless of gender
- In some places, sodomy laws have been used primarily to criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, though they can also apply to heterosexual acts
- Aggravated sodomy refers to sodomy committed by force or against a person unable to consent, often carrying more severe penalties
In the United States, sodomy laws were widespread but have largely been repealed or invalidated. The landmark 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas struck down laws criminalizing consensual sodomy between adults, deeming them unconstitutional
. However, some states still have statutes criminalizing sodomy, especially in cases involving minors, lack of consent, or forcible acts
. Penalties for sodomy vary widely, from misdemeanors to felonies with imprisonment terms ranging from years to life, especially in aggravated cases or where minors are involved
. In summary, sodomy in law refers to criminalized sexual acts, primarily anal and oral sex, historically used to police morality and sexuality, especially targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, though legal perspectives have evolved significantly in recent decades
