"Research, among others the report "Young in Norway", shows that in the last ten years much has happened with sexual activity among youth. Girls now have their sexual debut nearly a year earlier than a decade ago and the age for boys is also sinking. When we know that 12 percent of today's 14-year-old girls have already had sex the law is not in step with society," Opdahl told the newspaper.

Authorities now begin investigation and charges as soon as it is learned that one sex partner is under 16, even if the minor wants to have sex and does not want the partner prosecuted.

"So one may traumatize an experience that the person concerned has not felt was a problem. I have had several cases where young girls have despaired over a somewhat older partner being punished," Opdahl said. "Sexual activity that has not been voluntary shall of course still be punished."

Professor Bente Træen told newspaper VG that she agrees with the suggestion.

"It is important to take youthful behavior into account and reports show that about 25 percent have had sex before the age of 16," Træen told VG.

She said that the law is meant to protect juveniles in cases where there is a great age difference between sex partners.

"But to punish an 18-year-old for having sex with a 15-year-old is meaningless," Træen said.

The age of consent is 15 in Sweden and Denmark, 14 in Iceland and 16 in Finland.