Sex Laws

A

Age of Majority

The age of majority is the legal threshold at which an individual is considered an adult, capable of making their own decisions and entering into contracts. In the context of sexual health and relationships, reaching the age of majority often coincides with the legal age of consent for sexual activity, though these ages can vary by jurisdiction.

C

Capacity to Consent

Capacity to consent refers to a person's ability to understand, make, and communicate a voluntary decision about engaging in sexual activity, which requires them to be of legal age, mentally capable, conscious, and free from coercion or impairment. This includes having sufficient mental and emotional maturity to comprehend the nature and consequences of sexual acts, as well as the right to refuse or withdraw consent at any time.

Child pornography laws

Child pornography laws are legal regulations that criminalize the production, distribution, possession, or viewing of any sexually explicit content involving minors under 18 years old, with violations typically resulting in severe criminal penalties including heavy fines and imprisonment. These laws exist to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse, and apply to both digital and physical content.

D

Decriminalization

Decriminalization is the process of removing criminal penalties for certain acts, behaviors, or statuses. In the context of sexual health and rights, it often refers to the removal of criminal sanctions for sex work, consensual sexual practices between adults, or possession of certain substances. Decriminalization aims to reduce harm, improve public health outcomes, and protect human rights without necessarily making the activity legal or regulated.

F

FOSTA-SESTA

FOSTA-SESTA refers to two pieces of U.S. legislation: the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA) and the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA). Enacted in 2018, these laws were designed to combat online sex trafficking by making it easier to prosecute websites that knowingly facilitate or promote prostitution and sex trafficking.

O

Obscenity Laws

Obscenity laws are legal regulations designed to restrict or prohibit the production, distribution, and possession of materials deemed excessively offensive, indecent, or contrary to public morals, particularly in relation to sexual content. These laws vary widely between jurisdictions and often reflect the cultural, social, and moral standards of a particular society at a given time.

P

Prostitution Laws

Prostitution laws refer to the legal regulations and statutes governing the practice of exchanging sexual services for money or other forms of compensation. These laws vary widely across different countries and jurisdictions, ranging from full criminalization to legalization and regulation. Prostitution laws typically address various aspects of sex work, including the act of selling sexual services, buying sexual services, operating brothels, and related activities such as solicitation or pimping.

Public Indecency Laws

Public indecency laws are legal regulations that prohibit certain sexual behaviors or states of undress in public spaces. These laws are designed to maintain social order and protect individuals from unwanted exposure to sexual acts or nudity. The specific definitions of public indecency can vary by jurisdiction but often include acts such as public nudity, sexual activity in public, or lewd behavior.

R

Romeo and Juliet Laws

Romeo and Juliet laws are legal provisions designed to protect young people in consensual sexual relationships from being prosecuted for statutory rape when both partners are close in age. These laws typically apply when one partner is below the age of consent but the age difference between the partners is small, usually between 2-5 years.

S

Sex Offender Registries

Sex offender registries are databases maintained by law enforcement agencies that contain information about individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses. These registries are designed to track the whereabouts of convicted sex offenders and, in many cases, make this information available to the public. The primary purpose of these registries is to enhance public safety by allowing communities to be aware of convicted sex offenders living in their area.

Sexting Laws

Sexting laws refer to legislation and regulations governing the practice of sending sexually explicit messages, images, or videos through digital devices, typically via mobile phones or the internet. These laws aim to address issues related to consent, privacy, and the protection of minors in the context of digital sexual communication.

Statutory Rape

Statutory rape refers to sexual activity with a person who is below the legal age of consent, even if they verbally agreed to the act. It's based on the principle that individuals below a certain age are not legally capable of giving informed consent to sexual activities. The specific age of consent varies by jurisdiction but is typically between 16 and 18 years old.