Current Version
| Region | Pennsylvania |
| Issue | Homosexual activity |
| Status | Illegal (imprisonment as punishment) |
| Start Date | Jul 16, 1917 |
| End Date | May 29, 1980 |
| Description | In 1917, Pennsylvania adopted a new sodomy law that included anyone who “carnally knows any male or female person by the anus or by or with the mouth, or voluntarily submits to such carnal knowledge[.]” The punishment was 10 years of solitary confinement while working hard labor, and a maximum of a $1,000 dollar fine. In 1939, the maximum fine was raised from $1,000 to $5,000. In 1972, the penalty was lowered to a maximum of 2 years imprisonment, and was reclassified from a felony to a misdemeanor. Married couples could not be charged with sodomy. |
| Sources | https://www.glapn.org/sodomylaws/sensibilities/pennslvania.htm |
Revision History (1)
created by Unknownmiles
Helpful?
1 | Original entry | |
|---|---|
| Status | Illegal (imprisonment as punishment) |
| Start Date | Jul 16, 1917 |
| End Date | May 29, 1980 |
| Description | In 1917, Pennsylvania adopted a new sodomy law that included anyone who “carnally knows any male or female person by the anus or by or with the mouth, or voluntarily submits to such carnal knowledge[.]” The punishment was 10 years of solitary confinement while working hard labor, and a maximum of a $1,000 dollar fine. In 1939, the maximum fine was raised from $1,000 to $5,000. In 1972, the penalty was lowered to a maximum of 2 years imprisonment, and was reclassified from a felony to a misdemeanor. Married couples could not be charged with sodomy. |
| Sources | https://www.glapn.org/sodomylaws/sensibilities/pennslvania.htm |