The age of consent for sexual activity refers to an age at or above which an individual can engage in unfettered sexual relations with another who is of the same age or older.
This age varies by jurisdiction across South America , codified in laws which may also stipulate the specific activities that are permitted or the gender of participants for different ages. Other variables may exist, such as close-in-age exemptions. In South America, the only country where male same-sex sexual conduct is illegal is Guyana. The only countries with a higher age of consent for same-sex sexual relations than opposite-sex ones are Paraguay and Suriname.
Scope: all jurisdictions per list of sovereign states and dependent territories in South America , with discussion of applicable laws. In South America , countries have varying levels of restriction of sexual activities with minors. The age above which there are no restrictions confers full sexual autonomy with respect to the law.
The minimum age of consent is the age at which someone can legally give consent, which may include certain restrictions. Sexual acts with someone under the minimum age are legally classified as sexual abuse. In Argentina , the age at which there are no restrictions for sexual activities is 18 , [ 23 ] and differing levels of protection are instituted for children under 13, 16 and 18, with the minimum age of consent being Sexual acts with children aged between 13 and 18 are addressed by several laws, but none of these laws create a blank prohibition against such relations, but make them open to prosecution under certain circumstances such as if the relationship is considered exploitative or if the minor was "corrupted".
Restrictions apply for sex with adolescents between the ages of 13 and 16 Argentine Penal Code, Article Charges can be brought only after a complaint by the minor , their parent or guardian β Argentine Penal Code Article 72 however, the State prosecutes when the minor has no parent or legal guardian, or when the offender is one of them.
