A nostalgic look at the quirky laws of the 1960s and the freedoms we enjoy today.
The 1960s were a turning point in American history—an era of bold movements, cultural shifts, and radical self-expression. But while the youth fought for peace, love, and liberation, the legal system remained rooted in outdated norms and moral codes. Laws back then often mirrored conservative ideals, restricting everything from who you could love to what you could wear in public. For modern readers, many of these rules feel almost absurd.
1. Interracial marriage was banned in many states.
In the 1960s, interracial marriage was still considered taboo and unlawful in much of the United States. Sixteen states actively enforced anti-miscegenation laws that prohibited marriages between people of different races. Couples who dared to defy these laws faced real consequences—ranging from fines to jail time. The landmark Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia in 1967 finally struck down those laws, setting a vital precedent for equal protection under the Constitution as reported by Oyez.
2. Same-sex relationships were criminalized under sodomy laws.
During the 1960s, consensual same-sex relationships were criminalized across most of the country. Sodomy laws, which broadly defined certain sexual acts as criminal offenses, were used to target and harass LGBTQ+ individuals. These outdated statutes made it nearly impossible for queer people to live openly without fear of legal persecution or public humiliation. It wasn’t until 2003, with Lawrence v. Texas, that the Supreme Court ruled such laws unconstitutional, protecting privacy rights and dismantling a major legal barrier to LGBTQ+ equality.
This legal milestone was a massive step forward in the long road to LGBTQ+ rights. It paved the way for further legal protections, including marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws. While social acceptance is still evolving in some places, consensual same-sex relationships are now broadly accepted, and many couples can live their lives openly and without fear—something unimaginable just a few decades ago.
3. Birth control for unmarried couples was prohibited.
In the 1960s, birth control was considered a privilege reserved only for married couples. In several states, laws made it illegal for unmarried individuals to obtain contraceptives, reinforcing the idea that sex outside of marriage was immoral and subject to punishment. The landmark case Eisenstadt v. Baird in 1972 changed that, declaring such bans unconstitutional and extending reproductive rights to everyone, as mentioned by Planned Parenthood.
4. Mixed-gender living arrangements were forbidden.
Cohabitation without marriage was considered scandalous in the 1960s, and in many jurisdictions, it was actually illegal. Unmarried couples living together could face legal penalties or be evicted from their homes. Colleges enforced gender segregation in dorms, and landlords routinely denied leases based on moral grounds. Society placed a high premium on preserving traditional family structures, often at the expense of personal choice.
5. Home brewing beer was considered illegal.
Although it was perfectly legal to make your own wine at home, brewing beer remained a federal offense well into the 1970s. The home brewing prohibition dated back to the Prohibition era and wasn’t lifted until President Jimmy Carter signed legislation in 1978 to legalize it. That simple legislative act set off a cascade of change that eventually fueled the booming craft beer industry we know today.
6. Buying alcohol on Sundays was restricted by blue laws.
Blue laws—legislation rooted in religious doctrine—once governed much of American life, especially on Sundays. These laws banned everything from shopping to drinking alcohol, especially in the Bible Belt. In the 1960s, buying alcohol on Sundays was illegal in many places, forcing people to plan their weekend purchases accordingly or go without.
7. Using credit cards for everyday purchases was limited.
In the early 1960s, credit cards were not widely accepted and were used mainly for travel or emergencies. Diners Club and American Express were among the first, but their use was limited and heavily scrutinized. The idea of buying groceries or gas with plastic seemed irresponsible or futuristic to many at the time.
8. Marijuana use faced harsh penalties.
Possessing even a small amount of marijuana in the 1960s could result in a prison sentence and a permanent criminal record. Law enforcement treated marijuana as a dangerous gateway drug, and penalties were often harsher than those for more serious crimes. These laws disproportionately affected marginalized communities and contributed to mass incarceration.
9. Women wearing pants in certain places was prohibited.
Back in the 1960s, women could actually be penalized or denied access to public spaces for wearing pants instead of skirts or dresses. This wasn’t just about fashion—it was about conforming to rigid gender norms that dictated how women should behave and appear. Some workplaces and schools even sent women home for dress code violations.
10. Teaching evolution in schools was banned in some states.
In the mid-20th century, several states passed laws banning the teaching of evolution in public schools, fearing it contradicted biblical creationism. Teachers who defied these rules risked losing their jobs or facing public outrage. This created a chilling effect on science education, limiting students’ understanding of biology and the natural world.
Legal challenges eventually overturned these bans, most notably with the 1968 Supreme Court case Epperson v. Arkansas. Today, evolution is a fundamental part of science curricula across the country. While debates over creationism still arise in some areas, the right to teach evolution as scientific fact is now protected and respected in most academic institutions.
11. Dancing on Sundays was outlawed in many areas.
Believe it or not, in the 1960s, dancing on Sundays was outlawed in parts of the United States due to blue laws and moral regulations. It was seen as a form of indulgence or sinfulness that distracted from the day of rest. In some towns, even organizing a dance could lead to fines or shutdowns.
Over time, these restrictions faded away as younger generations demanded more freedom and expression. Dancing is now celebrated as both a cultural and recreational activity. From dance clubs to Sunday weddings, the idea that dancing should be outlawed feels laughably outdated today, yet it was once a very real restriction.
12. Owning exotic pets was strictly regulated or banned.
In the 1960s, regulations on exotic pets were strict, often banning ownership of animals like snakes, ferrets, or tropical birds. These restrictions were designed to prevent health risks and protect native ecosystems, but they also limited individual choice. Pet ownership was typically limited to dogs, cats, and common household animals.
As interest in exotic pets grew, laws were revised to accommodate the trend. Today, many people legally own a wide range of unique pets—though some restrictions remain to ensure public safety. The evolution of these laws reflects society’s growing fascination with the natural world and the desire to form connections with animals beyond the traditional.
13. Betting on horse races online didn’t exist but was still restricted.
Although the internet wasn’t around in the 1960s, even phone or mail betting on horse races was often illegal due to concerns over gambling addiction and organized crime. Interstate betting was strictly regulated, making it difficult for fans of the sport to participate legally from home.
Fast forward to today, and online betting platforms have revolutionized how we gamble. Horse racing fans can now place bets with ease and from nearly anywhere, provided they’re in a state where it’s legal. Technology has not only made gambling more accessible but also introduced safeguards to promote responsible gaming.