HL Deb 09 January 1995 vol 560 cc2-3WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the age of consent for lawful sexual intercourse in: (i) Sri Lanka; (ii) India; (iii) The Philippines; (iv) Indonesia; (v) Thailand; and (vi) Taiwan.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Our information is that the age of consent for lawful sexual intercourse in the countries listed is as follows:

  1. (i) Sri Lanka—12 for women. There is no specified age for men.
  2. (ii) India—although no parallel Indian law exists, for practical purposes the age of consent for women is 16. Solemnization of child marriages is punishable for a male above 18 contracting such a marriage and for anyone performing, conducting or directing a child marriage.
    3. WA 3
  3. (iii) The Philippines—the age of unqualified consent is 18. Between 12 and 18 qualified consent is deemed possible.
  4. (iv) Indonesia—sexual relations outside marriage are not regulated under law. The legal age for marriage is 16 for women and 19 for men.
  5. (v) Thailand—15 years of age.
  6. (vi) Taiwan—16 years of age.