Can Unmarried Couples Share a Hotel Room? North Carolina's Odd Law
In short
Not in practice, but one statute remains. North Carolina General Statute 14-186, dating to 1917, makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor for a man and woman to occupy the same hotel bedroom "for any immoral purpose" or to register falsely as husband and wife. Such laws are considered unenforceable for consenting adults after Lawrence v. Texas.
What the full article will cover
- What does North Carolina's hotel law say?
- Why did states pass hotel registration laws?
- Has anyone been charged under it?
- Can hotels refuse unmarried couples?
- Which other morals laws remain in North Carolina?
Frequently asked questions
- Can a hotel ask if you are married?
- Is it illegal to register as Mr. and Mrs. if you are not married?
- Are there similar laws in other states?
Sources
- ncleg.gov — https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_14/GS_14-186.html
- ncleg.gov — https://www.ncleg.gov/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/byarticle/chapter_14/article_26.html
- wcnc.com — https://wcnc.com/article/news/local/no-shacking-up-yes-living-in-sin-is-still-a-crime/83-4c2eea16-7bb6-411d-8c5b-82668b11e8ac
General information, not legal or religious advice.