Ages of Consent in Europe - Latvia

Latvia

The age of consent in Latvia is 16.

The main legislation is specified by the Latvian Criminal Law, Section 161 (Sexual Intercourse, Pederasty and Lesbianism with a Person who has not Attained the Age of Sixteen Years), which translated reads: "For a person who commits an act of sexual intercourse, or pederastic, lesbian or other unnatural sexual acts of gratification, with a person who has not attained the age of sixteen years and who is in financial or other dependence on the offender, or if such offence has been committed by a person who has attained the age of majority, the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term not exceeding four years."

However, Section 162 prohibits "immoral acts with a minor" although it is not made clear what the definition of "immoral acts" is.

Section 162. Immoral Acts With a Minor

(1) For a person who commits immoral acts with a minor against the will of the minor or if such have been committed by a person who has attained the age of majority, the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term not exceeding three years, or custodial arrest.

(2) For a person who commits immoral acts with a juvenile,the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term not exceeding six years.''

Sections 159 and 160 provide harsher penalties for rape and forcible sexual assault of juveniles.

Latvia Criminal Code

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