Some key points about California’s statutory rape law: The relevant law is California Penal Code Section 261.5, which prohibits sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of 18.
Having sex with a minor below the age of consent in California is referred to as statutory rape. This applies to both heterosexual and homosexual conduct. In California, the age of consent is 18 years old. This means that when a person reaches the age of consent, they can legally agree to engage in sexual activity with another person above the age of consent. The age of consent is the minimum age at which a person is considered legally competent to consent to sexual acts. This means that generally, it is illegal for an adult (someone 18 or older) to engage in sexual intercourse with a minor (someone under 18), even if the intercourse is consensual. The age of consent in California is 18 years old.