What Happened
President José Raúl Mulino signed Law No. 521 of April 27, 2026, adding Article 177-A to Panama’s Penal Code and establishing a clear prohibition on exhibitionist acts in public spaces.
The new rule applies to places with common public access, including schools, parks, bathrooms, and other shared areas where minors and families may be present. The measure is aimed at reinforcing public order and making those spaces safer and more respectful for everyday use.
Why the Law Was Passed
The legislation responds to a rise in this type of conduct in Panamanian society, with several cases spreading through social media and drawing public concern. That online visibility has intensified debate over personal conduct in public areas and the impact of such acts on communities.
Authorities framed the law as part of a broader effort to adapt the legal system to new social realities, where digital circulation can amplify behavior that previously might have remained local or unseen.
Stronger Penalties
One of the most significant changes is the increase in penalties. Under the previous framework, punishment for these offenses ranged from one to two years in prison. With the new law, sentences can reach up to six years, particularly when the conduct is considered a threat to public safety.
That tougher penalty structure signals a more aggressive legal response to acts deemed harmful to shared public environments. It also places greater emphasis on prevention, deterrence, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
Protection for Children and Adolescents
A central goal of the law is to protect children and adolescents, who may be exposed to inappropriate conduct in everyday settings such as schools and parks. By targeting public exhibitionism directly, the law seeks to reduce the risk that minors encounter behavior considered offensive or disruptive in spaces they regularly use.
The change reflects growing concern in Panama about how public behavior affects family life, social coexistence, and confidence in communal areas. It also reinforces the idea that public spaces should remain safe for all residents.
What This Means
The new legislation strengthens Panama’s criminal framework by making exhibitionist conduct in public spaces more clearly punishable and by expanding possible prison terms. It also gives authorities a firmer basis for responding to incidents that generate public alarm or affect order in shared environments.
For communities, the law is likely to be seen as part of a wider push to preserve civility in public life and protect younger people from exposure to harmful behavior. Its passage reflects a broader trend in Panama toward stricter enforcement around conduct that can disrupt public safety and convivencia.