Panama has introduced a specific criminal offense for exhibitionism for the first time in its legal history. The National Assembly approved Law 521, which President José Raúl Mulino has now promulgated. The legislation amends the Penal Code of Panama to target lewd public behavior.
Under the new law, individuals face one to two years in prison for exposing their genitals with lascivious intent. The penalty also applies to those who perform sexual acts in public spaces or areas accessible to the public. Officials confirmed the law took effect on April 28, 2026, following its publication in the Official Gazette.
Penalties Increase Based on Location and Victims
The severity of punishment escalates depending on where the crime occurs. Sentences jump to between two and four years if the act happens near schools, hospitals, churches, sports facilities, or on public transportation. These locations house vulnerable populations, lawmakers argued during the debate.
The most serious penalties target offenders who commit these acts in front of minors. Convictions in such cases carry three to six years in prison. The law defines an act of Exhibitionism as any intentional exposure of sexual organs for gratification in a public setting.
This legislation fills a critical gap in our legal framework. We now have specific tools to prosecute behavior that previously fell into ambiguous legal territory. The protection of children and adolescents remains our highest priority. [Translated from Spanish]
The law carves out specific exceptions for licensed adult entertainment venues. Establishments offering sexual services can operate legally under strict conditions. These include designated areas, proper permits, explicit consent from all adults present, and a complete prohibition on minors entering the premises.
Key Definitions and Implementation Strategy
The legislation provides clear legal definitions for several critical terms. Lawmakers defined “acts of a sexual nature” with specificity to avoid future legal challenges. The law also clarifies what constitutes public spaces versus spaces accessible to the public. This distinction matters for enforcement purposes.
The Ministry of Public Security now leads implementation efforts. It must coordinate with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Development to create prevention campaigns. These campaigns will emphasize reporting mechanisms and victim protection.
Authorities plan to focus resources on protecting children and adolescents. The law requires educational components in schools about appropriate behavior and reporting procedures. Police officers will receive specialized training on handling exhibitionism cases under the new legal framework.
Legal experts note that Panama joins a growing list of nations with specific exhibitionism statutes. The country previously relied on broader public indecency laws that often failed to produce convictions. This targeted approach gives prosecutors clearer legal pathways.
The law applies to all individuals within Panama’s territory, including foreign visitors. Convicted offenders will serve their sentences in the national prison system. Repeat offenders face enhanced penalties under separate habitual offender provisions already in the Penal Code.
Civil rights organizations have raised questions about enforcement consistency. They worry that vague interpretations of “lascivious intent” could lead to selective prosecution. Government officials maintain that the definitions provide sufficient legal clarity to prevent abuse.
The legislation represents a significant shift in Panama’s approach to public sexual offenses. Law enforcement agencies have already begun updating their protocols. Training sessions for officers are scheduled to begin within thirty days of the law’s enactment.