The Balendra Shah govt in Nepal is planning to change its statutory rape law by introducing a “Romeo-Juliet” clause that would prevent consensual relationships between teenagers close in age from automatically becoming rape cases. The proposed reform, now under review, seeks to create a three-year age-gap exemption for adolescents aged between 16 and 18, while retaining strict punishment for sexual abuse, coercion and exploitation.

The Balendra Shah govt in Nepal is planning to change its statutory rape law by introducing a “Romeo-Juliet” clause that would prevent consensual relationships between teenagers…

Nepal is considering a "Romeo-Juliet Clause" to differentiate consensual teenage relationships from rape. The proposed amendment would exempt romantic or physical relationships…