Whether it's because it's too hot, getting ready for bed, or changing clothes, there are plenty of reasons you may be naked in your home. But, under Georgia law, if you do it wrong, you could get in trouble for it.
Is it illegal to walk around naked in your home?
Georgia Code § 16-6-8 makes it illegal to be nude "in a public place." According to the Law Offices of Blake A. Pool, courts here interpret "public place" extremely broadly. The 1982 case of Hester v. State resulted in a man being convicted for exposing himself near a window visible from a highway.
Any location where conduct "may reasonably be expected to be viewed" by members of the public qualifies as a public space under the law, including:
- Parking lots and vehicles
- Hotel and motel balconies
- Private residences near windows or outdoors
- Beaches, lakes, and recreational areas
- Construction sites and vacant properties
- Public restrooms and changing areas
Is it illegal to be naked in your backyard?
In the case of your backyard, you may be technically safe if it's completely fenced and you're
not visible to your neighbors next door or passing by.
But, Kohn and Yager law firm described how these sorts of cases can be complicated and depend on various details. Are you in anyone's line of sight? What time of day was it? How exposed were you?
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Georgia laws about nudity
Georgia's "public indecency" law applies to acts of sexual intercourse, lewd exposure of the sexual organs, lewd appearance in a state of partial or complete nudity, and a lewd caress/indecent fondling of someone else.
A conviction of this law is considered a misdemeanor, unless you've been convicted three or more times.
Are there any nude beaches in Georgia?
There are no nude beaches in Georgia, however there are some resorts like Hidden River in St. George and Serendipity Sun Club in Cleveland where "naturism" is practiced. It's worth knowing, despite outdoor nudity being allowed, places like these pride themselves on being wholesome with sexual activity prohibited.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Is it illegal to not wear clothes in your house? What Georgia law says
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