Excerpts from
Gay American History
by Jonathan Katz
Avon Books, 1976
These excerpts are, naturally, focused on poly issues.
1777-79: Thomas Jefferson;
"Sodomy shall be punished by castration"
In the autumn of 1776, Jefferson and other leading citizens
began a thoroughgoing revision of Virginia law. The intent
was to reforn the entire structure of law, stripping it
of all former monarchical and aristocratic aspects,
bringing it into conformity with republican principles.
This revision, however, was never embodied in any enactment.
In the "Plan Agreed upon by the Committee of Revisors at Fredericksburg,"
January 13, 1777, Thomas Jefferson was among those liberals who
suggested that "Rape, Sodomy, Bestiality ... be punished by
Castration," rather than, as earlier, by death.
As finally written, bill number 64, authored by Jefferson
himself and "Reported by the Committee of Advisors, 18 June 1779,"
adds polygamy to the list.
Whosoever shall be guilty of Rape, Polygamy, or Sodomy
with man or woman shall be punished, if a man, by castration,
if a woman, by cutting thro' the cartilage of her nose
a hole of one half inch diameter at the least.
1867: Medical Times and Gazette;
"Aberrations of the sexual instinct"
In 1867, an anonymous essay in the London Medical Times and Gazette,
no doubt written by a doctor, presents a classic defense and summary
of traditional attitudes toward women. ... The essay then lists and
denounces "a miscellaneous set of sexual aberrations" fostered by
"every sexual and social heresy now rampant in America, ..." a
reference to religious and utopian groups. The Shakers are condemned
for fostering celibacy (because they consider marriage and carnal
relations sinful). "Free lovers" are denounced for openly advocating
sexual exchanges outside of marriage. "Spiritualists" believing in
"the perfect equality of the sexes on earth," are are condemned for
advocating "free love." "Bible Communists" or "Perfectionists," who
"have all things in common," are denounced for believing it "a duty to eat,
drink, and love to their heart's content - wives and children to be common -
as all other property." The Perfectionists' marriage system is criticized
for making every male and female the husband and wife of all others, with
"no 'exclusive attachments.'" Young Perfectionists are allegedly supposed
"to associate in love first with those older than themselves." Finally,
the Mormons are condemned for believing it a duty to enjoy life, for
practicing polygamy, and for destroying women's power in the home, thus
making them the slaves and toys of men.
©1997, 1999
Howard A. Landman /
howard@polyamory.org
Last updated 1999 April 28