15 Things Once Banned in the U.S. – But Are Now Part of Normal Life

Throughout history, societal values, legal frameworks, and cultural norms have constantly evolved in the United States, sometimes resulting in prohibiting items or activities we take for granted today. Most of the time, these bans were a reaction to the issues and priorities of their time, from alcohol to tattoos. However, because attitudes changed and laws were challenged, many prohibitions were reversed, and these things and activities became part of everyday life.  

Here are 15 things previously banned in the U.S. that are now regular parts of modern life due to changes in our understanding of rights, freedoms, and public policy.

Sunday Shopping 

“Blue laws” once restricted activities such as shopping on Sundays for religious reasons. These laws were gradually repealed or relaxed, reflecting modern America’s more secular, convenience‐oriented values. Sunday has become one of the busiest shopping days of the week for many retailers. 

Oral Contraceptives

The birth control pill, when it was first developed, was not immediately available. According to the American Medical Association, in 1960, oral contraceptives were approved by the FDA and revolutionized family planning and women’s health. 

The CDC states that today, almost 14% of women aged 15–49 in the U.S. use oral contraceptives.  

Tattoos

In the mid-20th century, tattooing was widely banned because of health concerns about unregulated practices. 

For example, New York City banned tattoos from 1961 until 1997. Since then, tattoos have become a popular mode of self-expression. According to Statista, in 2021, 26 percent of Americans had at least one tattoo. 

Margarine

Margarine is a surprising entry on this list, as fat supermarkets were banned or heavily taxed in many states in the late 19th century. Margarine took so long to gain acceptance because the dairy industry lobbied against it, saying that its sales threatened butter. 

When these restrictions were repealed, viewed as a questionable alternative, margarine became a household staple. 

Pinball

Throughout history, pinball machines, although they were only a fun pastime, were once thought of as gambling devices! In the 1940s and 1970s, pinball machines were banned from many cities, including New York City. 

Later, pinball advocates argued that the game required skill rather than luck, and the laws were lifted. Today, pinball enthusiasts are nostalgically revving up.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) 

In the 1990s, MMA was banned in many states due to concerns about safety and violence. However, thanks to widespread regulation and the establishment of unified rules, MMA is now legitimate. 

This has helped popularise the sport, which has become a multi-billion dollar global sport with organizations such as the UFC.  

Radar Detectors

At one time, radar detectors were outright banned in many states out of fear that they would assist drivers in avoiding tickets for speeding. 

Most drivers can legally use these devices, but some restrictions remain (on commercial vehicles and federal highways, for example). 

Alcohol

Under the 18th Amendment, the production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages were banned nationwide from 1920 to 1933 during Prohibition. This ban came in response to concerns about morality and public health. However, Prohibition had unintended consequences, such as fueling organized crime and black-market alcohol production.  

Recognizing the policy’s failure, the 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition in 1933, legalizing alcohol and giving individual states the authority to regulate its consumption. Today, alcohol plays a significant role in American culture and economy, generating over $260 billion in sales annually as of 2022.

Interracial Marriage

The University of Idaho mentions that many of the states had bans on interracial marriages until 1967. These were known as anti-miscegenation laws based on racist ideologies in attempts to prevent races from marrying together.  

Loving v. Virginia was ruled unconstitutional, affirming the right to marry regardless of race. This landmark case in the civil rights fight in America will leave an indelible mark as the legal precedent for family law and, more broadly, social equality.  

Birth Control 

You may find it hard to believe, but birth control used to be illegal in a lot of the US. Contraceptives were classified as ‘obscene materials‘ and banned from distribution under the Comstock Act of 1873.  

The status quo remained until the Griswold v. Connecticut case (1965), in which the Connecticut Supreme Court legalized contraceptives for married couples, citing the right to privacy. The laws were extended to cover all individuals, shaping the public discourse of reproductive rights today.

Same-Sex Marriage

Most U.S. states have banned same-sex marriage for years. 2015’s Obergefell v. Hodges helped define the part of an important Supreme Court decision granting marriage equality nationwide. 

This ruling legalized same-sex marriage as a constitutional right, allowing millions of LGBTQ+ couples to legally marry and avail themselves of the rights and protection that came with it.  

Women Voting

By the mid-19th century, the women’s suffrage movement was in full swing. The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified on August 18, 1920, granted women the right to vote nationwide. Before this landmark decision, voting rights for women varied significantly depending on their location, race, and citizenship status.

Women now comprise a large portion of the U.S. electorate and are essential players in the country’s political landscape. As of October 1, 2024, UN Women reports that 29 countries have 30 women serving as Heads of State or Government. 

Marijuana (in Some States)

Once universally banned under federal law, marijuana’s legal status has seen significant changes in recent decades. Since 1996, when California became the first U.S. state to legalize medical marijuana, more than 20 other states have passed similar laws. 

As of April 2024, 24 states and Washington, DC, have legalized recreational marijuana as public sentiment undergoes change and medical and economic potential is recognized.    

Gambling

For much of U.S. history, gambling was illegal in many states. However, under pressure from tax revenue and economic development, casinos, lotteries, and online betting were eventually legalized in most states. 

Today, Forbes mentions that Nevada and Las Vegas are the epicenters of global gambling and generate over $54 billion annually in the US alone.     

LGBTQ+

Laws criminalizing consensual same-gender relationships were common in the U.S. for much of its history. The Supreme Court’s 2003 Lawrence v. Texas decision invalidated these laws nationwide, marking a turning point in LGBTQ+ rights and privacy laws.  

The 15 things above show how society’s values, technology, and public policy have changed, often due to advocacy and legal challenges. Highlighting these historical bans and their eventual repeal provides a fascinating insight into how specific ideas once considered “radical” are now woven into the fabric of daily life. 

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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