ANALYSIS OF POLICY OPTIONS BELOW 18 WITH APPLICABLE CLOSE-IN AGE EXEMPTIONS • Ensures maximum protection for all children Scientifically, selecting 16 or 18 as the age of sexual consent both have their merits. This policy brief proposes the following ages with respective supporting arguments for the consideration and adoption of legislators:
BELOW 16 IF THERE IS NO CLOSE-IN AGE EXEMPTION • Conforms to international averages • Follows the recommendation of the UN CEDAW Committee in its 2016 Concluding Observations on the Philippines’ Combined 7th and 8th Periodic Report • 77 countries in the world set their age of consent at 16 years old including: Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore
• The close-in age exemption will address concerns on restrictions on adolescent sexual behavior by not penalizing consensual, non- exploitative and non-abusive sex with peers • 41 countries in the world set their age of consent at 18 years old including: India, Lebanon, Vietnam
4 FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN DECIDING ON THE MINIMUM AGE OF SEXUAL CONSENT
Balancing protection and recognizing sexual rights of children
Harmonizing minimum ages in laws related to sex and sexual health
Drawing the line on the implications
Making the case for including close-in age exemptions
12 YEARS OLD IS TOO LOW. #ENDCHILDRAPE RAISE THE ALARM! Increase the Age of Statutory Rape SIGN THE PETITION: http://bit.ly/ENDChildRape
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