Minnesota's Sodomy Law

Minnesota outlaws consensual sexual behavior between adults with 609.293 Sodomy. Sodomy is defined as "carnally know any person by the anus or by or with the mouth". The penalty for voluntarily engaging in or submitting to an act of sodomy is imprisonment for not more than one year or a fine of not more than $3,000 or both.

Consenting married couples are subject to prosecution for sodomy. [State v. Schmit, 1965, 273 Minn. 78, 139 N.W.2d 800]

Unmarried woman are prohibited from having sex with any man by 609.34 Fornication. This crime is a misdemeanor and both parties are subject to prosectution.

Minnesota is also deeply concerned with and has consequently outlawed sex with dead bodies, animals and birds with 609.294 Bestiality of which an offense is defined as anyone who "carnally knows a dead body or an animal or bird". The penalty awarded for a successful conviction is imprisonment not exceeding one year or a fine not more than $3,000 or both.