North Carolina Prohibited Consensual Sexual Activity Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated June 20, 2016
Most states have laws prohibiting certain types of consensual sexual activities, although sodomy bans applicable to same-sex partners have been ruled unconstitutional. In North Carolina, prohibited consensual sexual activity laws include bans on indecent exposure and bestiality. And while the state still bans sodomy in same-sex relationships, it is completely unenforceable.
Review the following table to learn more about North Carolina's prohibited consensual sexual activity laws, and see FindLaw's Sex Crimes section for related information.
| Sodomy Laws Applicable to | Both sexes (unenforceable) or beast |
| Penalty for Sodomy | 14-177 Crime against nature: Class I felony. Note: found unconstitutional by Lawrence v. Texas (2003) |
| HIV Exposure and Compelled Testing for Offenders | 15A-615 Upon indictment or finding probable cause on an offense involving nonconsensual vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse or intercourse with a child under 12, or under G.S.14-202.1 with a child under 16, a victim may request testing; If the court finds probable cause that a significant risk of transmission exists, the court shall order testing. |
| Other Crimes Relating to Consensual Sex Acts | 14-190.9 Indecent exposure: Class 2 misdemeanor |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact a North Carolina criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law
- North Carolina Law
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
North Carolina Prohibited Consensual Sexual Activity Laws: Related Resources
- Same-Sex Couples and the Law
- North Carolina Annulment and Prohibited Marriage Laws
- Indecent Exposure
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
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