Nepal weighs ‘Romeo-Juliet’ clause in rape law to shield consensual teenage couples, sparks concern
- Posted on May 20, 2026
- By Business News Today
- 0 Views
- 1 min read
Nepal weighs ‘Romeo-Juliet’ clause in rape law to shield consensual teenage couples, sparks concern
Nepal is considering a "Romeo-Juliet Clause" to differentiate consensual teenage relationships from rape. The proposed amendment would exempt romantic or physical relationships between 16-18 year olds with a three-year age gap from statutory rape charges, provided there's no coercion or exploitation. This aims to address cases where families allegedly misused current laws against consensual adolescent unions.
