Connecticut Prohibited Consensual Sexual Activity Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 17, 2023
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All states have laws prohibiting forced or coerced sexual conduct, but most states also have restrictions against certain types of consensual sexual activities. In Connecticut, prohibited consensual sexual activity laws include bans on indecent exposure and public lewdness.
Consensual sexual activity is, for the most part, none of the state's business. However, at times throughout history, states have used anti-sodomy laws to criminalize sexual activity between same-sex partners. However, that changed in 2003.
In that year, the U.S. Supreme Court heard Lawrence v. Texas.
In that case, a man challenged his conviction in Texas for violating an anti-sodomy law in the state. For having sex with another man in the privacy of his own home, he was convicted of violating that law. However, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that law unconstitutional and unenforceable.
In the wake of that decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, all anti-sodomy laws, as they apply to consenting adults, became unconstitutional and unenforceable. In Colorado, as is the case in all other states, no anti-sodomy laws can be used to criminalize sexual activity between consenting same-sex partners.
Continue reading for more information about laws related to sexual activity in Connecticut.
Connecticut Laws Related to Sexual Activity
The chart below lays out the laws in Connecticut that are related to sexual activity. Also consider reviewing FindLaw's Sex Crimes section for related information.
| Sodomy Laws Applicable to | - |
| Penalty for Sodomy | - |
| HIV Exposure and Compelled Testing for Offenders | Under §54-102a, a court may order STD or STI testing for a person accused of a crime involving a sexual act.Under §54-102b, a convicted sex offender must submit to HIV testing upon the victim's request. |
| Prostitution & Other Related Offenses | Under §53a-82, it is a crime to engage in prostitution. Offenses are treated as class A misdemeanors. Under §53a-83, it is a crime to engage in solicitation of prostitutes. Offenses are treated as either class A misdemeanors or class C felonies. For more information about the offenses of prostitution or the solicitation of prostitutes, consider reviewing FindLaw's page on the subject. |
| Public Indecency & Other Related Offenses | Under §53a-186, public indecency is a crime. It is treated as a class B misdemeanor.Under §53a-181, it is a crime to breach the peace with obscene gestures or in a sexually offensive way. Offenses are treated as class B misdemeanors.Under §53a-182, it is a crime to engage in disorderly conduct. While the statute does not explicitly mention offenses of a "sexual" nature, it does mention prohibitions on conduct that is "grossly offensive under contemporary community standards." Sexually offensive conduct in public could fall within the scope of what is prohibited by this statute. Offenses are treated as a class C misdemeanor. |
| Age of Consent | Under most circumstances, the age of consent in Connecticut is 16. The offense of engaging in sexual activity with someone under the age of consent is referred to as statutory rape in most states. For more information about statutory rape, consider reviewing FindLaw's page on the subject. |
Note: Although FindLaw makes an effort to keep its state laws summaries current, laws are constantly changing. Make sure you contact an experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
More Resources on Connecticut State Laws Related to Sexual Activity:
Consider reviewing the following resources for more information about Connecticut laws related to sexual activity:
- At Connecticut Law, you'll find links to all laws in the state, including those related to sexual activity.
- At Official State Codes, you'll find links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Related Resources for Prohibited Consensual Sexual Activity Laws:
Consider reviewing the following resources for more information about consensual sexual activity laws:
Need More Help? Contact an Attorney Today
If you have been arrested or are being investigated for a sex crime, contacting an attorney is always a good first step. It's advised that you contact a qualified criminal defense attorney near you today. Defendants who cannot afford to hire an attorney are entitled to representation by an attorney at criminal proceedings. You may contact the local public defender's office.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex cases usually require a lawyer
- Experienced lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
- Sexual assaults & sex crime convictions often have long sentences and lifelong consequences
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