Laws often reflect the social norms of their time, and as culture evolves, so too do the rules that govern society. What once was shocking or scandalous can become everyday behavior in just a few generations. From what people wore to how they danced, early American laws often tried to police behavior in ways that seem almost absurd now. These outdated restrictions remind us just how much attitudes have shifted. Here are 14 surprising things that were once illegal in parts of America but are now seen as totally normal.
1. Wearing Bathing Suits in Public
In the early 1900s, many U.S. cities had strict rules about swimwear. Bathing suits had to cover the body from the shoulder to the knee, and violating those codes could result in arrest. Beach patrols measured the length of suits to ensure “decency.” As public attitudes relaxed over the decades, modesty laws became less rigid. Today, people wear swimsuits of all kinds without a second thought, and the idea of being arrested for showing too much skin on the beach feels like ancient history.
2. Dancing on Sundays
Known as “Blue Laws,” many states once banned dancing on Sundays as part of broader restrictions on leisure and entertainment. These laws were rooted in religious traditions that viewed Sunday as a day for rest and worship, not fun. Public dance halls were either closed or closely monitored. Over time, the separation of church and state and the growing popularity of weekend socializing helped overturn these rules. Now, weekend dancing is a standard part of American culture.
3. Selling Alcohol
During Prohibition (1920–1933), it was illegal to manufacture, sell, or transport alcohol across the United States. While some exceptions existed for medical or religious use, the general public was barred from legally drinking. The rise of illegal speakeasies and bootlegging eventually highlighted the unworkability of the law. Prohibition was repealed in 1933, and today, alcohol sales are regulated but completely legal in most parts of the country. In fact, craft beer and wine have become part of American identity.
4. Wearing Pants as a Woman
It might sound unbelievable, but for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, women wearing pants was considered illegal or at least punishable by fines in various states and cities. These dress codes enforced strict gender roles, equating pants with male-only attire. Women who defied them were often arrested or ridiculed. The women’s rights movement helped overturn these norms, and today, pants are a staple in every woman’s wardrobe, from casual jeans to business slacks.
5. Interracial Marriage
Until the landmark Supreme Court decision in Loving v. Virginia in 1967, interracial marriage was illegal in many U.S. states. Anti-miscegenation laws were based on deeply racist ideologies and enforced through harsh penalties. The Loving case overturned these laws, recognizing that marriage is a fundamental right. Today, interracial couples are widely accepted, though cultural biases still exist in some communities. The shift reflects broader progress toward racial equality, even if the journey is far from over.
6. Same-Sex Relationships
Until as recently as 2003, laws in several states criminalized same-sex intimacy. These “sodomy laws” often targeted LGBTQ+ individuals and reinforced stigmas that made public life difficult or dangerous. The Supreme Court’s decision in Lawrence v. Texas struck down those laws, paving the way for greater legal recognition and protection. Now, same-sex relationships and marriages are legal nationwide, and Pride events are celebrated across the country, highlighting a major shift in societal attitudes.
7. Teaching Evolution in Schools
In the early 20th century, several states, including Tennessee, passed laws banning the teaching of evolution in public schools. The most famous example is the 1925 Scopes “Monkey Trial,” in which a high school teacher was fined for teaching Darwin’s theory. These laws were driven by religious groups who saw evolution as a threat to Biblical teachings. Today, evolution is part of standard biology curricula, although debates over science education still surface from time to time in school boards across the nation.
8. Buying Birth Control
Access to birth control was heavily restricted in the early 20th century. The 1873 Comstock Act classified contraceptive materials as “obscene,” making it illegal to distribute them through the mail. Even doctors faced limitations in discussing birth control with patients. The tide began to turn with court rulings in the 1960s that recognized reproductive rights and privacy. Today, birth control is widely available and considered an essential part of healthcare, though political debates over access and funding continue.
9. Public Display of Affection
In various towns across the U.S., public displays of affection like kissing or hugging were once prohibited, especially among unmarried couples. These laws aimed to maintain public decorum and uphold conservative moral standards. Enforcement was often arbitrary and culturally biased. Over time, shifts in social norms and growing acceptance of diverse relationships made such laws obsolete. Today, holding hands or kissing in public is generally unremarkable, though cultural expectations can still vary by region.
10. Playing Baseball on Sundays
Believe it or not, even America’s favorite pastime was once off-limits on Sundays in certain areas. Sunday baseball bans were part of broader Blue Laws meant to preserve the Sabbath for rest and worship. These laws were gradually repealed throughout the 20th century as demand for weekend recreation grew. Now, Sunday games are a cherished part of sports culture, from neighborhood leagues to major league stadiums packed with fans.
11. Buying Alcohol on Sundays
For decades, many states restricted the sale of alcohol on Sundays, especially before noon. These Blue Laws were rooted in religious traditions and aimed to limit leisure on the Sabbath. Some places still have remnants of these restrictions, but most have been loosened or repealed. Today, Sunday brunch with mimosas or a beer during the big game is entirely normal. The shift reflects changing attitudes toward leisure, religion, and consumer freedom.
12. Piercings and Tattoos
Body modification has not always been embraced in American culture. For years, tattoos were associated with rebellion or criminality, and many local ordinances banned tattoo parlors altogether. Ear and body piercings were also considered socially unacceptable in many circles. Attitudes began shifting in the 1990s and 2000s as body art became mainstream. Today, tattoos and piercings are widely accepted, even in professional settings, with many people seeing them as a form of personal expression.
13. Using Certain Hair Styles
In some parts of the country, African American hairstyles like cornrows, dreadlocks, and afros were once discouraged or even penalized in schools and workplaces. These policies often weren’t formal laws but were enforced through dress codes that discriminated against cultural identity. Recent legislative efforts like the CROWN Act aim to protect people from hair-based discrimination. Today, there’s a growing acceptance of natural hairstyles as society recognizes the importance of cultural expression and inclusion.
14. Buying Lottery Tickets
State lotteries were once considered morally questionable or associated with gambling’s negative effects. In fact, most forms of gambling were outlawed across the U.S. until the late 20th century. It wasn’t until states began using lotteries to fund public programs like education that public sentiment shifted. Now, buying a scratch-off ticket or Powerball entry is a regular part of life for many Americans, with convenience stores across the nation selling them daily.