The principle reason some countries have higher ages of consent for males compared to females [1] is simply because of the medical evidence that males reach sexual maturity at a later age than females. [2] This has nothing to do with discriminating against homosexual sex. However it is true that when it comes to children, some countries do view underage homosexual as slightly more dangerous than underage heterosexual sex. Largely because there is the higher risk of HIV infection in the case of the former. [3]  [1] Canadian Department of Justice, ‘Age of Consent to Sexual Activity’, justice.gc.ca,   [2] Neinstein, Lawrence S., ‘Puberty: Normal Growth and Development’, Adolescent Health Curriculum: University of Southern California,   [3] HIV, AIDS and Young Gay Men, AVERT: Averting HIV &amp; AIDS,