Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Massachusetts

I'm 18 years old turning 19 in March. My girlfriend is 16 years old turning 17 in May. If we have sex is it illegal? I would really love to know where the law stands on this in Massachusetts because this question comes up a lot. My parents are trying to tell me I cant do anything sexually with her until she is 18, but as far as I am concerned the consensual age, meaning if she agrees, is 16 years. So she has said yes to sex so it is perfectly legal, right? And no she was not a virgin if that has any effect on the answer.

Thanks. (I had no idea which area of law to place it under, sorry.)


Asked on 1/24/12, 7:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Georg LaBonte Law Office of Georg C. LaBonte

It is a violation of Mass. General Laws Chapter 272. Section 4.

Whoever induces any person under 18 years of age of chaste life to have unlawful sexual intercourse shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than three years or in a jail or house of correction for not more than two and one-half years or by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by both such fine and imprisonment.

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Answered on 2/01/12, 7:32 am


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