📜 Penalties at a Glance – Georgia
| Offence | Minimum Sentence | Maximum Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Rape (Art. 137) | 6 years | 20 years or life (aggravated) |
| Sexual Coercion (Art. 139) | Fine | 4 years |
| Sex with Minor (14–16) – Art. 140 | 3 years | 9 years |
| Sex with Child (<14) | 10 years | 20 years or life |
| Pimping / Brothel-Keeping | 3 years | 10 years |
| Public Indecency | Fine | 1 year |
Overview
Georgia’s sexual conduct laws are set out in the Criminal Code of Georgia (1999, as amended). They cover rape, sexual coercion, offences against minors, harassment, and prostitution-related crimes. While the framework aligns with European standards, enforcement in rural areas can reflect conservative traditions.
Age of Consent
The general age of consent is 16 years (Art. 140).
- Under 16: Any sexual contact is a criminal offence, punishable by up to 9 years.
- Under 14: Treated as aggravated abuse; up to 20 years or life in extreme cases.
- 16–18: Still prosecutable if linked to abuse of trust, authority, or economic dependence.
Key Provisions & Punishments
- Rape (Art. 137): 6–8 years; up to 20 years or life if aggravated.
- Sexual Coercion (Art. 139): Fines to 4 years imprisonment.
- Sex with Minors (Art. 140–141): 3 years to life, depending on age/circumstances.
- Harassment: Covered under equality laws; can be criminal if coercive.
- Prostitution: Selling sex = fine; pimping/brothels = up to 10 years.
- Homosexual Acts: Legal since 2000; equal consent age applies.
Public Decency
Public sex acts or indecent exposure may be prosecuted under public order or harassment provisions; penalties range from fines to 1 year.
Historical Context
Pre-2000 Soviet-era laws criminalised homosexual acts between men (up to 5 years imprisonment). Post-independence reforms decriminalised them and introduced consent-based sexual offence definitions.
Legal Process Notes
- Victims can testify remotely and remain anonymous in court records.
- Restraining orders and protective measures are available.
- Special procedures exist for interviewing minors.
Regional Comparison Table
| Country | Age of Consent | Rape Penalty (Aggravated) | Prostitution Laws | Same-Sex Acts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 16 | Up to life | Selling = fine; pimping/brothels = prison | Legal since 2000; equal age |
| Armenia | 16 | Up to 15 years | Selling = fine; pimping/brothels = prison | Legal since 2003; equal age |
| Azerbaijan | 16 | Up to 20 years | Selling = fine; pimping/brothels = prison | Legal since 2000; equal age |
| Turkey | 18 | Up to life | Sex work legal in licensed brothels; pimping illegal | Legal since 1858; equal age |
Laws can change; verify before travel or relationships.
Insider & Academic Commentary
“In Tbilisi, consent laws are enforced, but stigma can silence victims in rural regions.” — NGO legal adviser
“The code is progressive on paper; cultural conservatism still shapes application.” — Criminology lecturer, TSU
References
Criminal Code of Georgia (1999, as amended to 2024).
Council of Europe. (2022). GREVIO Baseline Evaluation Report: Georgia.
UN Women Georgia. (2023). Sexual harassment and violence laws.
Human Rights Watch. (2021). Georgia: Women’s and LGBTQ+ Rights.