Nepal prepares softer penalties for consensual adolescent relationships
Summary
Nepal is preparing amendments to its criminal laws to introduce a 'Romeo and Juliet' provision, exempting consensual physical relationships between adolescents close in age from rape charges, aiming to prevent criminalising teenage relationships while still protecting minors.
Key Points
- The Ministry of Law in Nepal plans to amend criminal laws to reduce penalties for consensual relationships between teenagers close in age.
- A task force recommended a 'Romeo and Juliet' provision allowing exemptions for consensual adolescent relationships with an age gap of up to three years.
- Current laws in Nepal treat any sexual relationship involving a person under 18 as rape, regardless of consent, leading to harsh penalties.
- The proposal aims to balance protecting minors from abuse while preventing misuse of rape laws in consensual adolescent cases.
