 The law took effect May 1, 2008.Between 1990 and 2002, the Netherlands operated what was in effect an age of consent of 12, subject to qualifications.The relevant law, passed in November 1990, permitted sexual intercourse for young people between 12 and 16, but allowed a challenge by parents based on erosion of parental authority or child exploitation, which would be heard by a Council for the Protection of Children.