Ages of sexual consent in Europe

The ages of consent for sexual activity vary by jurisdiction across Europe. The law can also stipulate the specific activities that are permitted and/or differentially specify the age at which a given gender can participate. Below is a discussion of the various laws dealing with this subject. The highlighted age refers to an age at or above which an individual can engage in unfettered sexual relations with another who is also at or above that age. Other variables, for close in age exceptions may exist, for relating to defences in Ireland and Cyprus (for heterosexuals only) and Greece (close in age only, gay males only) and for male-male sexual conduct are noted in Gilbraltar and Guernsey (both gay males only), all other places in Europe have an equal age of consent.


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