The anonymous individual, who goes by John Doe, was convicted for sodomy after having consensual gay sex in 2001. At the time, the state enforced a “buggery” law that prohibited individuals from having same-sex relations.
Due to the law, John was found guilty and forced to register as a sex offender. According to a report from the Post and Courier, his partner was also convicted of the same crime.
In 2006, John received a pardon for the verdict after the US Supreme Court deemed the anti-LGBTQ+ law as unconstitutional in 2003.
Even though he was eventually exempted from his crime, he is still required to register as a sex offender to this day. Now, John is challenging the state and its former legislation with a new lawsuit.