Age of Consent for Gay Travelers

Travelers

Find your destnation country or state in U.S. but read the introduction first.  The U.S. laws vary by state.  U.S. states are located below other international destinations on the chart.  Also note that in some jurisdictons travelers are held to a higher standard than citizens of the nation or state.

Introduction

Observe the traditons and, more importantly, the laws of your country, state/province and those which you are visiting. For example, if you are an American in Spain (with a surprisingly low age of consent) and have sex with a person who is of legal age in Spain, you may be prosecuted once you return to the U.S. for having engaged in sexual tourism.

If you are anticipating such activity, it is advisable to consult an attorney before your departure. The rule of thumb is to stick to partners around your own age, as long as (uncompensated) sexual activity between consenting adults of the same sex are legal within that jurisdiction. Also remember that prostition is illegal in almost all juristictions (with very rare exceptions anywhere on the planet).

If you choose to visit a country in which same sex activity is illegal, remember that it is illegal even if the sex activity is with someone who is considered your partner in your home country, regardless of the ages of the people involved. Often the penalties for violation are quite severe including very long prison terms or even death. The severity of the punishment in various countries is often influenced by members of the so-called "Christian" Right in the U.S. which continues to encourage the death penalty for homosexual activity, especially in Uganda and other African nations.

Table of Age of Consent