The impact of sodomy law repeals on crime

Abstract

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We exploit variations in the timing of decriminalization of same-sex sexual intercourse across US states to estimate the impact of these law changes on crime through diference-in-diferences and event study models. We provide the frst evidence that sodomy law repeals led to a decline in the number of arrests for disorderly conduct, prostitution, and other sex ofenses. Moreover, in line with the hypothesis that sodomy law repeals enhanced mental health and lessened minority stress, we show that these repeals led to a reduction in arrests for drug and alcohol consumption