Andorra Raises Sexual Consent Age to 16 with Close-in-Age Exception

The Andorran government is finalising changes to the Penal Code that will raise the age of sexual consent to 16, up from the current 14, while introducing a limited exception for relationships involving those aged 14 or 15.

Under the proposed reforms, sexual consent will generally require individuals to be at least 16 years old. However, relations will be permitted from age 14 if the age difference between partners does not exceed five years. Activity below age 14 remains strictly prohibited. Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné described the change as "highly significant," noting it responds to input from experts including prosecutors, the Citizen's Ombudsman, and other bodies who advocated raising the threshold.

Molné outlined the plans in an interview with *Altaveu*, stating the government aims to approve the text this March and submit it to parliament. The executive previously declined to support a similar bill from the Concòrdia party, as it was already developing its own version. She emphasised that relations between close-in-age teens—such as a 14-year-old and a 19-year-old—would not be treated as rape.

The reforms also address digital sexual activities. Offering sex or similar behaviour via social media will be classified as digital prostitution, akin to platforms like OnlyFans. While voluntary prostitution itself carries no criminal penalty, users caught accessing such services face administrative fines. Promoting or facilitating these acts will be punishable, mirroring rules for traditional prostitution.

Additional provisions target online harassment and image manipulation. Sending sexual images or content to someone without their consent will become a crime. Altering photos—such as using AI to undress or sexualise someone—will also be criminalised.

The measures aim to update Andorran law for modern digital risks while clarifying consent rules. Parliament has yet to debate the bill.