Russia – Sexual Conduct Law
Criminal provisions, penalties, historic punishments, and practical cautions
📜 Penalties at a Glance – Russia
| Offence | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Rape (Criminal Code Art. 131) | 3 years | 15–20 years; life in aggravated cases |
| Violent Sexual Acts (Art. 132) | 3 years | 20 years |
| Sex with Minor under 16 (Art. 134) | 3 years | 10 years |
| Sex with Minor under 14 | 8 years | 20 years |
| Prostitution (Admin. Code Art. 6.11) | Fine | Administrative fine |
| Brothel/Pimping (Art. 241–242) | 2 years | 10 years |
| Public Indecency | Fine | Up to imprisonment (if aggravated) |
Overview
Russia’s sexual conduct framework is primarily set out in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and the Administrative Code. It emphasises stringent protection of minors, criminalisation of commercial sex and pornography, and heavy penalties for sexual violence. Enforcement can vary by region and case profile.
Age of Consent
The general age of consent is 16 years. Sexual intercourse with a person under 16 is a criminal offence even if consensual.
- Sex with a child under 14 draws especially severe custodial penalties.
- No formal close‑in‑age exception exists in statute.
Key Provisions & Punishments
- Rape (Art. 131): 3–15 years; up to life for aggravated cases (e.g., against a child or by a group).
- Violent Sexual Acts (Art. 132): 3–20 years.
- Sex with Minors (Art. 134–135): 3–10 years (under 16); 8–20 years (under 14).
- Prostitution: Selling sex is an administrative offence; organising, pimping, or brothel-keeping is criminal.
- Same‑Sex Acts: Decriminalised in 1993; public “propaganda of non‑traditional relations” restricted since 2013.
- Pornography (Art. 242): Criminal liability for production/distribution, especially involving minors.
Public Decency Laws
Lewd acts in public can bring administrative fines, and criminal charges where minors are involved or where conduct gravely offends public morality.
Historical Context
Under the Soviet Union, homosexuality (Article 121 of the RSFSR Criminal Code) was punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment, often served in labour camps (gulags) under harsh conditions. Beyond imprisonment, convictions triggered lifelong stigma, employment loss, and state surveillance. This provision was repealed in 1993.
Earlier decades also saw sentences of exile to remote regions (notably Siberia) and public denunciations in workplaces or newspapers. While no longer part of formal law, these practices shaped a lasting culture of social ostracism for sexual offences and LGBT identities.
Today, exile and labour‑camp sentences as such are not used for sexual conduct offences, but social stigma and hostile public campaigns still affect affected groups.
⛓️ Historic Punishments in Russia
- Gulag sentences: Men convicted under Soviet Article 121 could receive up to 5 years in labour camps.
- Exile: Offenders could be banished to remote settlements in Siberia or Central Asia.
- Public shaming: Denunciations at workplaces or in print harmed careers and family life.
- Enduring stigma: Post‑release surveillance and long‑term social exclusion were common.
Regional Comparison
| Jurisdiction | Age of Consent | Rape Penalty | Sex Work | Same‑Sex Acts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | 16 | 3–20 years; life if aggravated | Illegal (admin for sellers; criminal for organisers) | Legal since 1993; propaganda law since 2013 |
| Ukraine | 16 | 3–15 years | Illegal | Legal; no propaganda law |
| Belarus | 16 | 3–15 years | Illegal | Legal since 1994 |
| Kazakhstan | 16 | 5–15 years | Illegal | Legal since 1998 |
🚫 Common Tourist Mistakes
- Approaching street sex workers: Prostitution is illegal; stings occur.
- Assuming fines mean leniency: Brothel‑related conduct can bring prison.
- Not verifying age: Strict liability risks; do not rely on claimed age.
- Public drunkenness → indecency: A frequent trigger for arrests.
- Assuming LGBTQ+ expressions are risk‑free: Public displays can attract attention under “propaganda” rules.
References
Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (1996, as amended 2025).
Administrative Code of the Russian Federation (2001, as amended 2025).
Historical note: RSFSR Criminal Code Article 121 (repealed 1993).
Human Rights reports on LGBT restrictions and anti‑“propaganda” legislation (2013–2024).