Understanding Age of Consent Laws in Canada: What You Need to Know
Learn about age gap laws and consent regulations in Canada. Important insights for navigating legal responsibilities.
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In Canada, the common 'age of consent' is 16 years old, meaning sexual activity with someone under this age is illegal. However, for close-in-age exceptions, a 14 or 15-year-old can legally consent to sexual activity with someone less than 5 years older, and a 12 or 13-year-old can consent, but only if the partner is less than 2 years older. These exceptions do not apply if the older person is in a position of authority or trust.
FAQs & Answers
- What is the legal age of consent in Canada? The legal age of consent in Canada is 16 years old.
- Are there exceptions to the age of consent laws in Canada? Yes, certain close-in-age exceptions allow for consent at younger ages under specific conditions.
- What happens if an older partner is in a position of trust? If the older person is in a position of authority or trust, the close-in-age exceptions do not apply, regardless of the age difference.
- What are the penalties for violating age of consent laws? Violating age of consent laws can result in criminal charges, including charges of sexual exploitation or sexual assault.