Age of Consent

“Age of Consent” refers to laws regarding heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual sexual activity.  This page will answer some frequently asked questions about the age of consent.

Age of Consent in Northern Ireland

The legal age of consent in Northern Ireland is 16 years regardless of whether you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual. This is the same age for people who live in England, Scotland & Wales.

Age of Consent in the Republic of Ireland

The age of consent is different in the South of Ireland compared to Northern Ireland.  The legal age is 17 years regardless of your sexual orientation.

What does the age of consent mean?

The age of consent is the age at which a young person is legally able to understand and agree to consensual sex. In most countries, until you reach this age it is illegal for somebody to have sex with you, however old they may be. Sometimes the law is slightly different when the partners are of a similar age, but there is usually still a minimum age below which sex is always illegal.

Why do we have the age of consent?

Although some young people may feel that they are mature enough to engage in a sexual relationship, others may lack the emotional development to deal with this or to feel confident enough to say ‘no’. Age of consent laws are there to protect young people from being sexually exploited by adults.

Is the age of consent the same in all countries?

The age of consent varies according to the country and even in different states, and in some places the age of consent is different for boys and for girls. To find out about the age of consent in different countries around the world, please click here.

Does the age of consent apply to gay men and lesbians?

Yes. In some places there are different age of consent laws for gay men and lesbians, and in other places this type of sexual relationship is illegal.

What counts as ‘sex’?

This, too, is different, depending on the laws in the place where you live. Some places count things like kissing as sexual contact, and other places only count sexual intercourse. You should check out the laws in your state or country.

What is statutory rape?

Statutory rape is the crime that someone can be charged with if they have sex with a person who has not reached the age of consent but who agrees to have sex. Some countries have different names for this. Some states in the US for example call it ‘unlawful sexual penetration’ or just ‘rape’.

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse is the term for an adult using their age or authority over a young person to make any type of sexual contact. There is a difference between this and two young people who are in a consenting relationship. If you are a young person involved in an abusive relationship it is important to talk to someone about this.  The Rainbow Project provides a confidential counselling service to both young people and adults, details of which can be found by clicking here.

If you are worried because you know of a young person who you think is in an abusive sexual relationship, you must think carefully about what would be the right thing to do. Telephone helplines and sources of help in your country will be able to advise you.  In Northern Ireland, the NSPCC can provide you with information by phoning 0808 800 5000.