Is Necrophilia Legal?

Necrophilia, a disturbing and taboo subject, refers to a sexual attraction or engagement with dead bodies. While it is widely considered morally repugnant and unethical, laws addressing necrophilia vary across different jurisdictions. In this article, we will explore the legal status of necrophilia in various countries and regions in 2021.

It is important to note that the legality of necrophilia often falls under broader laws concerning sexual offenses, desecration of corpses, or public decency. Therefore, it is crucial to examine relevant legislation and legal frameworks to understand the specific stance on necrophilia.

United States:
In the United States, laws regarding necrophilia differ among states. As of 2021, nine states (Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Wisconsin) do not have explicit laws addressing necrophilia. However, this does not mean that necrophilia is legal in these states. Other laws, such as desecration of corpses or public indecency, may still apply in such cases.

United Kingdom:
In the United Kingdom, necrophilia is considered a criminal offense under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Section 70 of the Act specifically addresses the sexual penetration of a corpse. Engaging in necrophilia in the UK is a punishable offense, regardless of the level of consent or lack thereof.

Canada:
In Canada, necrophilia is legally prohibited and falls under the Criminal Code of Canada. Section 182 addresses the offense of “committing an indignity to a dead body.” This provision criminalizes any act that violates the dignity of a deceased person, including engaging in sexual acts with a corpse.

Australia:
In Australia, the legal status of necrophilia varies across different states and territories. Each jurisdiction has its own legislation regarding this act. For example, in New South Wales, necrophilia falls under the Crimes Act 1900 as “sexual intercourse with a corpse.” Offenders can face severe criminal charges if found guilty of such acts.

Other Countries:
The legal status of necrophilia varies widely across different countries. Many countries have specific laws that prohibit sexual acts with corpses, while others may have broader legislation that covers such acts under offenses like desecration of corpses or public decency.


Necrophilia is a highly controversial and morally reprehensible act, and its legal status varies across different countries and jurisdictions. While some countries explicitly criminalize necrophilia, others may rely on broader legislation addressing the desecration of corpses or public indecency to prohibit such acts. It is important to consult the specific laws of each jurisdiction to understand the legal consequences of engaging in necrophilic behavior.

What States Have No Laws On Necrophilia?

Necrophilia, which refers to the sexual attraction or engagement with dead bodies, is a highly taboo and illegal act in many jurisdictions. However, it is important to note that the laws surrounding necrophilia can vary from state to state within the United States.

In the United States, there are nine states that do not have specific laws addressing necrophilia. These states are as follows:

1. Illinois
2. Kansas
3. Louisiana
4. Nebraska
5. New Mexico
6. North Carolina
7. Oklahoma
8. Vermont
9. Wisconsin

It is crucial to emphasize that although these states do not have specific laws prohibiting necrophilia, engaging in such behavior is still generally considered morally repugnant and could potentially be prosecuted under other existing laws, such as desecration of a corpse or public indecency.

It is worth noting that laws can change over time, and it is recommended to consult official legal resources or seek professional advice for the most up-to-date information on the legal status of necrophilia in these states.

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Is Necrophilia A Crime In UK?

Necrophilia is considered a crime in the UK. The act of engaging in sexual activities with a dead body is illegal and falls under the offense of “sexual penetration of a corpse.”

This offense is covered under Section 70 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. According to this law, a person commits the offense if they knowingly or recklessly penetrate any part of a dead body.

It is important to note that the UK law treats necrophilia as a serious offense due to the desecration of a deceased person’s remains and the violation of their dignity. The law aims to protect the deceased and their families from such acts.

Penalties for engaging in necrophilia can vary depending on the circumstances and severity of the offense. If convicted, an individual can face imprisonment, a fine, or both. The length of imprisonment can range from a few years to a life sentence, depending on the specific circumstances and any aggravating factors involved.

It is crucial to remember that necrophilia is not only unethical but also illegal in the UK, and those found guilty of this offense will face legal consequences.

What Are The 3 Types Of Necrophilia?

There are three distinct types of necrophilia that have been identified and categorized by experts in the field. These types include necrophilic homicide, “regular” necrophilia, and necrophilic fantasy. Let’s delve into each of these types individually to gain a better understanding:

1. Necrophilic Homicide:
Necrophilic homicide refers to cases where an individual engages in sexual acts with a corpse as part of the act of murder. In these instances, the primary motivation is the violent act itself, with the sexual component being an additional element. This type of necrophilia is considered the most extreme and dangerous, as it involves both the killing of a person and the subsequent sexual gratification derived from the corpse.

2. “Regular” Necrophilia:
“Regular” necrophilia, also known as necrophilic fetishism, is characterized by individuals who are sexually attracted to corpses and engage in sexual acts with them without having played a role in their death. These individuals may seek out corpses in various ways, such as by working in morgues, cemeteries, or funeral homes, or by targeting fresh graves. They derive sexual pleasure from the act of engaging with a lifeless body, often treating the corpse as a sexual object.

3. Necrophilic Fantasy:
Necrophilic fantasy refers to individuals who experience intense sexual fantasies or arousal related to necrophilia but do not act upon these desires in reality. These individuals may engage in role-play, consume media (such as literature or pornography) related to necrophilia, or indulge in other forms of fantasy without actually engaging with a corpse. While they may exhibit a strong fascination with necrophilic acts, they do not cross the line into physically acting upon their desires.

It is important to note that genuine necrophilia is a rare and extreme paraphilia that is widely condemned and illegal in most jurisdictions. It is crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity and respect for the victims involved.

Conclusion

The legality of necrophilia in 2021 varies across different jurisdictions. While the majority of countries and states have specific laws prohibiting this deviant sexual behavior, there are still some places where necrophilia is not explicitly addressed or prohibited.

Internationally, several countries have criminalized necrophilia, including Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and many others. These countries classify necrophilia as a form of sexual assault or desecration of a corpse, and individuals found guilty can face various penalties, including imprisonment.

In the United States, the situation is more complex. The majority of states have laws that explicitly criminalize necrophilia, often classifying it as a form of sexual abuse or desecration of a corpse. However, it is worth noting that nine states, including Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Wisconsin, currently have no specific laws addressing necrophilia.

The absence of explicit legislation in these states does not mean that necrophilia is legal or condoned. In such cases, prosecutors may rely on other existing laws, such as those prohibiting sexual assault or desecration of a corpse, to bring charges against individuals engaged in necrophilic acts.

It is essential to recognize that laws and regulations can vary and change over time. Therefore, individuals should consult the specific legal code of the jurisdiction they reside in to determine the current status of necrophilia laws.

While necrophilia remains a highly taboo and morally repugnant act, efforts to criminalize and address it are prevalent in many parts of the world. The legal recognition and condemnation of necrophilia aim to protect the dignity of deceased individuals and ensure that their bodies are treated with respect and reverence.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.