Young People Close in Age Could Have Defence Under New Sexual Offences Law

Youths who engage in consensual sexual activity with someone close to their own age could have a legal defence under Antigua and Barbuda’s new sexual offences legislation.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin outlined the provision while presenting the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill 2026 in Parliament.

Benjamin said the legislation generally prohibits sexual intercourse with a person under 16, but provides a limited defence in circumstances involving young people who are close in age.

Under the provision outlined in Parliament, the younger person must be at least 14 years old, while the other person must be no more than three years older.

The court must also be satisfied, based on the evidence presented, that the conditions required for the defence have been met.

The provision means, for example, that a case involving teenagers who are 15 and 17 would be treated differently under the law from one involving a significantly older adult and a minor.

The close-in-age defence was among several provisions Benjamin highlighted as Parliament considered changes aimed at strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s sexual offences laws while accounting for circumstances involving young people of similar ages.

The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill 2026 was subsequently passed by the House of Representatives without amendment.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: VIDEO: New Law Provides Defence for Consensual Sex Between Youths Close in Age.