Sexual Conduct Law – Azerbaijan

Overview

Azerbaijan is officially a secular republic with a civil law system influenced by continental European models and Soviet legal heritage. While Islamic traditions still inform social attitudes, the country’s criminal code governs sexual conduct rather than religious law. Certain acts are legal but socially sensitive, and enforcement can be influenced by local norms, especially outside Baku.

Sex Outside Marriage

Consensual sex between unmarried adults is legal. There are no statutory penalties for premarital heterosexual relations. However, public knowledge of such relationships can cause social and family repercussions, particularly in rural or conservative communities.

Note: In cases where one party is under the legal age of consent (16), criminal penalties apply under Article 152 of the Criminal Code, with sentences ranging from fines to several years in prison depending on circumstances.

Prostitution & Solicitation

Prostitution itself is an administrative offense, typically punishable by fines. Operating brothels, pimping, or trafficking are criminal offenses under Articles 243–244, with penalties up to 8 years imprisonment.

LGBTQ+ Relations

Same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults was decriminalized in 2000. There is no specific anti-discrimination law protecting sexual orientation, and police harassment and social stigma are reported. Public same-sex displays of affection can provoke negative reactions.

Public Decency & Obscenity

Public sexual acts or overt displays of intimacy can be prosecuted under Article 534 (petty hooliganism) or public order laws. Punishments range from fines to up to 15 days administrative detention.

Distribution of pornography is illegal under Article 242, with penalties of up to 3 years imprisonment.

Sexual Assault & Related Crimes

• Rape (Article 149): 4–10 years imprisonment; aggravated circumstances up to 15 years.
• Coercion into sexual acts (Article 150): 3–6 years imprisonment.
• Sex with minors (Article 152): Penalties depend on age gap and circumstances, up to 15 years.

Enforcement Reality

In practice, most consensual private conduct between adults is not actively policed unless a complaint is made. However, foreign visitors should be aware that involvement in public scandals or disputes can draw police attention, and bribery or informal settlement may be sought in some cases.

“The written law and social norms are not the same. In some towns, family pressure can be more decisive than the police.” — expat in Ganja