Ages of consent in Central America
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Ages of consent in Central America concerns the ages of consent across six jurisdictions that constitute Central America.
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[edit] Belize
In Belize, the age of consent is 16 for all heterosexuals. Since 2003, all homosexuality has been re-crimilized (regardless of age). The legislation quotes; THE SUBSTANTIVE LAWS OF BELIZE REVISED EDITION 200314 Criminal Code [CAP. 101] Aggravated assault Section 45. “Every person who commits an unlawful assault of any of the following kinds, namely- (a) assault upon a person acting as a judicial officer or as a peace officer; or (b) assault upon a minister of religion acting in the execution of the duties of his office; or (c) assault upon a person in any court of justice, or assault upon a person in order to prevent him from doing, or on account of his doing or having done, anything as a party, agent, counsel, or witness, in any judicial proceeding; or (d) assault with a purpose to commit, or in committing or attempting to commit, any other crime; or (e) assault with any deadly or dangerous instrument or means; or (f) indecent assault on any person, whether male or female; or (g) assault upon any male child or any female of such a nature that it cannot in the opinion of the court be adequately punished under section 44, shall be guilty of an aggravated assault and, on conviction thereof, be liable to imprisonment for two years: Provided that in respect of an indecent assault upon a female or an aggravated assault upon any male child or any female, a person convicted under this section shall be liable to imprisonment for three years instead of two years.” State Homophobia – April 2007 ILGA - International Lesbian and Gay Association - www.ilga.org 9 2. Rape and Like Crimes Unnatural Crime Section 53. “Every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years.”
[edit] Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, the age of consent is 15, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender. "Scandalous sodomy" (possibly meaning public or commercial sodomy) is a crime punishable by up to 4 year prison. The legislation quotes (English) Penal Code, Law Nº 4573 and its reforms, of 4 March 197021 "ARTICLE 382.- "It will be imposed from two to thirty days fines: …15) For the one that practiced the sodomy in a scandalous form"
[edit] El Salvador
In El Salvador, the age of consent is 18, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender.[citation needed]
[edit] Guatemala
In Guatemala, the age of consent is 18, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender.[citation needed]
[edit] Honduras
In Honduras, the age of consent is 15, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender.[1]
[edit] Nicaragua
Under the new Penal Code, the age of consent in Nicaragua is 18, regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation and all sexual offences are gender-neutral.[citation needed]
[edit] Panama
Unknown in Panama. (some sources say 12, 15, 17 and some say 18 others say ?)
[edit] See also
- Ages of consent
- Ages of consent in Africa
- Ages of consent in Asia
- Ages of consent in Australia and Oceania
- Ages of consent in Europe
- Ages of consent in North America
- Ages of consent in South America
