age of consent

[wickedcherub]

I'm looking on Wikipedia at the different ages of sexual majority in different countries and I'm a little confused.

I looked up England, and it says that it is unlawful to have sex with someone under the age of 16. Sounds straightforward, but what if both participants are under 16? Is it still illegal? Anyone know? Can someone else, say a parent/guardian press charges if that occurs?

What about in the US?

I ask because here in Victoria, Australia, age of sexual majority is 16, but it's okay if you're younger than that (but older than 12) and the other person you're having sex with is within two years of your age. (as long as they're not your teacher/doctor whatever). So you're okay to have sex at 15 if it's with anyone between 13 and 17.

Thanks guys :)

Comments

[alathia.livejournal.com]

it means if you are of majority age, you cannot have consensual sex with someone if they are not the majority age. in the US it varies per state, and it constitutes rape. Even if the underage person had sex willingly, the thought behind the law is that they aren't capable of making decisions and understanding the ramifications of having sex with an adult until they reach the age of consent. So like a 15yo having sex with a 21yo, the 21yo would be charged with rape even if they are "in a relationship" since the 21 the legal adult and the 15yo is under the age of consent.

[skittish-derby.livejournal.com]

i think it is a similar sort of thing here in the US-- but then again, the laws are screwy about sex here.

[alierakieron.livejournal.com]

In the US it varies state by state. Most have what are called "Romeo and Juliet" laws: as long as the ages are within a year or two, but not all. The age of consent can be as low as 14 or as high as 18.

[silkygecko.livejournal.com]

I echo what the above commenters said... it varies by state, with some states as low as 14, and most around the 16 range I think. If both parties are younger than the age of consent, it is Not consentual sex and they can be charged with a sex crime. Where it gets confusing is if one party is above the age of consent, but within two years of age, it's not illegal.... so in my state when the age of consent is 16, a 15 year old and a 17 year old can have sex legally. I'm a psychologist and do level of risk assessments with people who have been found guilty of sex offenses. Then we do the evaluation and help determine what level they should register at. Anyway, one time my co-worker had to tell this 17 year old kid that hey, next week when you turn 18 you have to stop having sex with your 15 year old girlfriend, because it will be illegal. Like, you are ok to have sex now, but next week you could be arrested.

We evaluate several people who are guys in the 18-mid 20s range who have sex with 15-17 year olds. The sex is consentual and they are often in relationships, because the guys emotionally are about at the same maturity level as the girls, even though they are several years older, so they feel more comfortable with these girls than girls their age. But it's illegal and they end up as registered sex offenders. Make better choices guys.