The More You Know: Your Sexual Rights in Utah
by DAISY THOMAS
According to Utah Code Title 76 Utah Criminal Code, punishable offenses, even of varying degrees, indicate some of the terms of our social contract as residents and visitors of Utah. Ultimately, one can infer we* have the right to:
To not tolerate threats of violence or actions indicating such threats
To not have your body touched or fondled without consent
This means NO ONE has a right to touch your butt, genitals, pubic area, or female breasts when their intent is to arouse, gratify, or harm you emotionally or physically. Even your spouse or partner. You also have the right to withdraw consent.
Be safe. Be kind. Communicate your needs, wants, and desires. If someone is crossing a line, tell them. That is, if you’re able to ignore that pit in your stomach at the thought of confrontation or if you don’t fear for your safety, tell people your boundaries -- and if you haven’t created those boundaries yet, now is a great time.
