Age of Consent
Sex Education Required by State
Sex Education Type
Medically Accurate Content Required
LGBTQ+ Inclusive
Consent Education Taught
Adult Entertainment
California's age of consent is 18. There is no close-in-age exemption in California law. Sexual intercourse with a person under 18 is a crime regardless of the age of the older party, though penalties are calibrated by the age gap under California Penal Code Section 261.5. The absence of a close-in-age exemption distinguishes California from most other states.
California requires comprehensive sex education under the California Healthy Youth Act, enacted in 2015. Instruction must be medically accurate, age-appropriate, and inclusive of LGBTQ+ relationships and identities. Affirmative consent is a required topic in high school. The FAIR Education Act requires that LGBTQ+ historical figures and contributions be included in social studies curriculum. Schools must present information about contraception, pregnancy, and STI prevention without bias.
California has the most permissive adult entertainment regulatory environment in the country. The pornographic film industry is concentrated primarily in the San Fernando Valley, and California is the only state where commercial adult film production operates openly as a regulated industry. Los Angeles County Measure B (2012) mandated condom use on adult film sets, though enforcement has been inconsistent. Strip clubs, adult bookstores, and other adult businesses are broadly permitted across the state.
Among the most progressive. FAIR Education Act requires LGBTQ+ history in curriculum. Affirmative consent taught in high school. Age 18.
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In the News
- ‘No Real Choice:’ New Report Examines How Foster Youth View Abortion - The ImprintJun 3
- Moving the Ball Forward on Comprehensive Sex Education - American Civil Liberties UnionJan 7
- Reproductive Health: Supporting Contraception Access and Comprehensive Sex Education - Association of State and Territorial Health Officials | ASTHODec 12
- With Roe v. Wade overturned, will California’s universities become safe havens for out-of-state students? - EdSourceJun 24
- Ensuring California Youth in Foster Care Receive Gender Affirming and Reproductive Health Care - National Center for Youth LawFeb 16
Full California profile
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Sources: NCSL, Guttmacher Institute, SIECUS State Profiles, Wikipedia "Ages of consent in the United States". Laws change — verify current status with official sources.