{"id":374156,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-prohibited-consensual-sexual-activity-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-09-02T12:17:46","modified_gmt":"2024-09-02T17:17:46","slug":"michigan-prohibited-consensual-sexual-activity-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-prohibited-consensual-sexual-activity-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Prohibited Consensual Sexual Activity Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Michigan Prohibited Consensual Sexual Activity Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

It’s well-known that sexual activities, like rape and sexual assault, are illegal. But, many people don\u2019t realize that many states ban some consensual sexual activities as well. For example, historically, many states have criminalized sodomy and bestiality.<\/p>\r\n

Most states, including Michigan, also criminalize sexual contact with someone under 16 years old. If someone over 18 engages in a sexual relationship with a minor, they may face charges for criminal sexual conduct.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we\u2019ll explain Michigan\u2019s consensual sexual activity laws, including the penalties for these offenses. If you\u2019re facing statutory rape charges or any related crimes, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Michigan.<\/p>\r\n

Laws Related to Sexual Activity in Michigan<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

State laws ban certain consensual sexual activity, usually acts that violate the community\u2019s social norms. These laws change with the times. Michigan has consensual sexual activity laws<\/a> that include provisions for disorderly conduct, indecent exposure, and other regulations found in most other states.<\/p>\r\n

Michigan’s anti-sodomy law remains on the books, although the state can no longer use this law to criminalize sexual activity between same-sex partners. This is due to the Supreme Court\u2019s decision in Lawrence v. Texas<\/i><\/a> in <\/i>2003.<\/p>\r\n

In Lawrence<\/i>, a Texas man challenged his anti-sodomy conviction for having sex with another man in the privacy of his own home. The Court ruled that the Texas law was unconstitutional and unenforceable. In the wake of the Lawrence<\/i> decision, all anti-sodomy laws became unconstitutional and unenforceable.<\/p>\r\n

Michigan\u2019s Romeo and Juliet Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Most people know the story of William Shakespeare\u2019s "Romeo and Juliet." Two young lovers from warring families fall in love and, ultimately, end their own lives when they realize they can’t be together. Many states, including Michigan, have implemented \u201cRomeo and Juliet\u201d laws to protect young people in romantic relationships from criminal charges.<\/p>\r\n

Michigan law is very clear about when these close-in-age exemptions apply. You must meet the following requirements for the exemption spelled out in Michigan Penal Code \u00a7 750.520e<\/a> to apply:<\/p>\r\n