Maryland
Sex Laws 2026

Maryland's age of consent is 16. State law does not include a formal close-in-age exemption, but the specific terms of Maryland's criminal code mean that activity between peers close in age is often charged, if at all, as a lesser offense. Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article, Section 3-306 covers third-degree sexual offense.

Maryland requires comprehensive sex education that is medically accurate and inclusive of LGBTQ+ relationships and identities. Consent education is a required component at multiple grade levels. The state's mandate is one of the stronger ones in the mid-Atlantic region. Schools are expected to present contraception and STI prevention information without a primary abstinence frame.

Maryland's adult entertainment environment is permissive. Baltimore and the suburbs of Washington, D.C. have active adult entertainment industries. The state regulates adult businesses through local licensing without aggressive state-level restriction campaigns. The overall posture reflects the state's liberal political composition and its proximity to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Strong comprehensive sex ed mandate. LGBTQ+ inclusive. Consent education required.

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