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Age of sexual consent: same-sex couples

What this indicator measures

Compares the minimum age of sexual consent set by law for same-sex couples and for different-sex couples. When the law sets no age for same-sex couples, it is almost always because these relationships are punished.

How to read this?

“Same” means the age of consent is the same for all couples.

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194countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Age of sexual consent: same-sex couples: 194 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Same as for different-sex couples : 120 ; Higher for same-sex couples : 11 ; No legal provision : 61 ; Varies by region : 2.

Why this indicator matters

The age of consent shows whether the law treats all couples the same way. Comparing it across countries shows where same-sex relationships are regulated like any other, and where they are not.

What makes this indicator vary

Differences come from the history of criminal codes, often inherited from former colonial or religious laws. Many countries have reformed their laws over time, but at very different paces.

Reading precautions

An identical age says nothing about discrimination in practice. “No provision” often signals criminalization, but not always. Laws change and the database may lag behind.

Age of sexual consent: same-sex couples

Same as for different-sex couples (120)

Higher for same-sex couples (11)

No legal provision (61)

Varies by region (2)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Age of sexual consent: same-sex couples" data come from?

It comes from Velasco, LGBTI National Policy Dataset (via Our World in Data). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

What does this indicator measure?

It compares the minimum age set by law for consensual sex, depending on whether the couple is same-sex or different-sex. It shows whether the rule is the same for everyone.

What does “no legal provision” mean?

The law sets no age for same-sex couples. In most cases, this means these relationships are prohibited or punished, but the exact situation depends on each text.

Source and update

Source : Velasco, LGBTI National Policy Dataset (via Our World in Data). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : LGBTQ+ rights