Guide to Laws About Sex and Sexual Activity in Los Angeles

Sex

Guide to Laws about Sex and Sexual Activity in Los Angeles

Most sex-related laws are made at the state level, so be sure to read our Guide to Laws about Sex in California.

If you are a victim of a crime, see our Victims Rights page.

Public nudity

Is it illegal to simply be naked in public?

It’s complicated, and it varies by city.

In the city of Los Angeles, if nothing else, it is often considered “disturbance of the peace”¹Penal Code 415 to walk around naked in public. But it could also be considered lewd conduct or indecent exposure (see above). Also, in public parks and beaches, it is explicitly illegal to:

appear, bathe, sunbathe, walk or be in any public park, playground, beach or the waters adjacent thereto, in such a manner that the genitals, vulva, pubis, pubic symphysis, pubic hair, buttock, natal cleft, perineum, anus, anal region, or pubic hair region of any such person, or any portion of the breast at or below the upper edge of the areola thereof of any such female person, is exposed to public view or is not covered by an opaque covering.

But this particular ordinance does not apply to children under the age of 10 years, or to live theatrical performances performed in a theater, concert hall, or other similar establishment located on public land.

Exercise Your Rights

If a crime occurred in the city of LA, whether you were the victim or not, you can report it anonymously by
- texting to 274637 and begin your message with the letters LAPD
- calling 800-222-8477 any time, 24/7
Make sure you know your Victims’ Bill of Rights
If your privacy has been violated, you can talk to a privacy lawyer
If you are a victim of harassment at work, you can file a claim at the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, or talk to a lawyer about it.