Let’s break it down: Age is more than a number
Have you ever thought that you could be breaking the law by saying yes to sex? Every state in the country has laws that define the legal age to give consent to participate in sexual intercourse. But it can get a little complicated, so let us explain.
In Louisiana, 17 is generally the legal age for a person to be able to legally consent to sex with someone older than them. However, and this is important, there are other limitations based on the difference in you and your partner’s age, especially when at least one of you is younger than 17. We’ve created a helpful chart below to help explain each scenario.
For example, a 17-year-old should never have sex with anyone under the age of 17. The law is clear on this. If you are under the age of 17 (even if you’re almost 17) and the other person involved is older, he or she can face prosecution for carnal knowledge of a juvenile.
If you are between the ages of 13 through 16 and having sex, know your partner’s age (and consider whether you are ready to have sex!). Legally, a 13-year-old can consent to sex with an individual up to three years older, a 14-year-old can consent to an individual up to two years older, and a 15-year-old can consent to an individual one year older. No one 12 or under can legally consent to sex. Always remember the law; if you are under 17 years old and your sexual partner is 17 years old or older, the LAW SAYS NO!
Sensual touching is touching someone’s private parts (vagina, penis, anus or breasts). Although this is not considered intercourse, it still falls under the laws discussed above about sexual consent.