Colonial America: The Age of Sodomitical Sin, 1607-1783, by Jonathan Ned Katz

The years from 1607 to 1783 constitute the founding era of what became the United States. In the early years of this era, in these American colonies, the penalty for sodomy was death, and a number of executions are documented. Sodomy was usually conceived of then as anal intercourse between men. But why was sodomy thought of as treason against the state, and punished so harshly? And what do we know of sexual and intimate relationships between women in these years, and the laws and responses to such intimacies?

OutHistory directors are interested in hearing of any further documentation of executions, as well as other colonial cases of same-sex sodomy and intimacy. Full credit will be given for further information.