Alabama – It’s Illegal to Dress Up as a Priest or Nun in Public
Costumes are a staple of Halloween, cosplay conventions, and theatrical performances, but in Alabama, there’s one type of attire that could land you in legal trouble: dressing up as a priest, nun, or other clergy member. While this law may seem outdated or unusual, it remains on the books and technically carries legal consequences for those who violate it.
The Law Explained
Alabama’s prohibition on dressing as clergy is found in Section 13A-14-4 of the Alabama Criminal Code. It states:
“Whoever fraudulently pretends to be a minister of any religion, nun, priest, rabbi, or other member of the clergy” shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
The law goes on to specify that violations can result in a fine of up to $500 and/or up to one year in jail. While it may sound extreme, this law is part of a broader category of impersonation laws, which generally exist to prevent fraud and deception.
However, unlike other impersonation laws—such as those against falsely posing as a police officer—this one doesn’t necessarily require the person to be engaging in fraudulent activity. Simply wearing religious attire in public could be enough to violate the statute.
The Origins of the Law
This law was originally passed in 1965, a period of social and political upheaval in the United States. While the exact reasoning behind its passage isn’t fully documented, legal scholars and historians speculate that it was intended to prevent individuals from misleading others by impersonating clergy members.
Some believe the law may have been a reaction to concerns about con artists posing as religious leaders to gain trust and solicit donations. Others suggest that it was meant to protect the dignity of religious institutions by discouraging people from mocking or misrepresenting clergy.
Interestingly, Alabama isn’t the only state that has had a law like this. Other states, including Pennsylvania and Texas, have had similar laws in the past, though many have been repealed or ruled unconstitutional.
Is the Law Still in Effect Today?
Yes, this law is still technically enforceable, though it is rarely—if ever—prosecuted. In modern times, people frequently dress as clergy for harmless reasons, such as costume parties or stage performances. While no recent cases of enforcement have been reported, the fact that the law remains on the books means that, in theory, someone could be fined or arrested for wearing a priest or nun costume in public.
Over the years, some legal experts have argued that this law violates the First Amendment, which protects freedom of expression. Religious parody and satire are legally protected forms of speech, meaning that if someone were ever charged under this law, they could likely challenge it in court.
What This Means for You
If you live in Alabama or are visiting during Halloween or a costume event, you might want to reconsider dressing up as a religious figure—at least in public. While the risk of arrest is low, the law remains in place, and it’s always better to be aware of potential legal pitfalls.
Of course, whether Alabama will eventually repeal or modify this law remains to be seen. Until then, this strange and outdated restriction continues to be one of the more unique legal curiosities in the United States.
