In The USA: Cops Arrest Gay Men for “Perverted Sexual Practice”

A May 20 raid at Bush River Books & Videos in Abington, Md., netted nine arrests, including four men charged with “Perverted Sexual Practice,” reports the Advocate, citing a report from the Washington Blade.

Perverted sexual practice is another name for Maryland’s anti-sodomy law. Though the Supreme Court’s 2003 Lawrence v. Texas ruling invalidated bans on consensual sodomy, many states still have such laws on the books — and they are enforced, even if it runs afoul of federal law.

One of those arrested for perverted sexual practice was in a private, locked video booth at the adult bookstore with another man when police in riot gear unlocked the door and arrested both, according to a friend of one of the arrested individuals who spoke with the Blade.

“They spent the night in jail and were badly treated,” the friend said. One of those arrested told the newspaper that all nine men spent the night in jail.

READ MORE HERE:

Written by