Opposition Leader Jamal Pringle is urging lawmakers to consider raising Antigua and Barbuda’s age of consent from 16 to 18 as part of wider efforts to strengthen protections for young people.

Pringle made the proposal Monday during debate on the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks tougher penalties for sexual offences.

While backing the legislation, Pringle said lawmakers should look beyond punishment and examine whether the existing age at which teenagers can legally consent to sexual activity remains appropriate.

“I believe the time has come … for us to move this age of 16 … to 18,” Pringle told the House of Representatives.

He questioned the reasoning behind allowing someone at 16 to legally consent to sex when teenagers of that age continue to depend heavily on parents and guardians for guidance and support.

Pringle said greater consideration should also be given to the potential exploitation of teenagers by adults.

His proposal prompted broader discussion among government members.

Social Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner indicated that raising the age could be considered but cautioned that such a change would not address every form of sexual abuse. He pointed specifically to cases involving parents, relatives or caregivers abusing children within the home.

Education Minister Daryll Matthew also supported examining the issue.

“If you can’t drive until you’re 18, you can’t vote until you’re 18, why must you be able to have sex … at 16?” Matthew asked.

Matthew also called for stronger safeguards for students against adults who approach them in the vicinity of schools.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin said the government would consider the proposal and the wider legal implications of changing the age of consent.

“Perhaps the time has in fact really come,” Benjamin said, without committing the government to making the change.

No amendment to the age of consent was approved during Monday’s sitting.

The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill passed the House of Representatives without amendment, leaving the proposed increase from 16 to 18 for further consideration.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Pringle Proposes Raising Antigua and Barbuda’s Age of Consent to 18.