Ages of consent in Asia
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The ages of consent for sexual activity vary by jurisdiction across Asia. The specific activity engaged in or the gender of its participants can also be affected by the law. 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 example homosexual relations or close in age exceptions may exist and are noted when relevant.
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[edit] Indonesia
In Indonesia the age of consent for sexual activity is 19 years for males and 16 years for females. Age of consent for marriage is 18 and 15 years for males and females respectively.[1]
[edit] Iran
In Iran, "women can have sex at 14, men at 17."[2] Extramarital sex is illegal, except for "Temporal Marriage for pleasure". Homosexual marriage is not legal and homosexual sexual acts may be punishable by death. Recent reports of youths being hanged for committing homosexual acts have been disputed by the Iranian Government. However gay rights supporters claim that the other charges are routinely invented to avoid backlash from the population (See full article here).
See also: Marriageable age and LGBT rights in Iran. Further reading: BBC News "Iran 'must stop youth executions'"
[edit] Japan
The National age of consent in Japan is 13 for both males and females, as specified by the Japanese Penal Code Articles 176 and 177. There are no sodomy laws. However, most prefectures have ordinances that prohibit "immoral sexual acts" with minors. The phrase "Immoral sexual acts" is not strictly defined. It is mainly used to prevent minors from engaging in quasi prostitution (e.g. Enjo kōsai). It is unclear if the translated term "minors" refers to children (defined as those aged under 18) or to those who have not reached majority (defined as those under 20). [citation needed]
Sexual Offences Laws of Japan (the website of Interpol)
The database of Laws and Ordinances by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan (in Japanese)
[edit] Philippines
The age of consent for sexual activity and marriage in the Philippines is 18 years for both males and females. Although it is rarely enforced. [1]
[edit] Russia
[edit] Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia extramarital sex is illegal (adultery). Homosexual marriage is not legal and homosexual sexual acts may be punishable. The traditional penalty for adultery is stoning to death for married people (or those in a legal concubinage) and 100 lashes plus banishment for unmarried people. World Legal Survey - Saudi Arabia. International Lesbian and Gay Association
See also Human rights in Saudi Arabia.
[edit] Thailand
The Age of Consent in Thailand is 15 years of age. However if the person is engaged in prostitution, whether in a licensed premises or not, then the age of consent is 18 years.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Sexual Offences Laws - Indonesia
- ^ According to Channel4.com - Adult at 14.
- ^ Thailand Laws covering sexual activity
