*Age Of Consent & Legal Sexual Activity for the State of Queensland, Australia - A campaign to remove our Sodomy Law (which was enacted in 1990).

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22^nd June 2004 Letter from office of Premier Peter Beattie, responding to my letter dated 27th May 2004. I am advised that even in the current term there is still no plan to reform the Criminal Code to remove the Sodomy Law. This means that Queensland may face at least another 3 years without reform and that 16 & 17 year old youths will consequently continue to be denied adequate safe-sex education, inclusive relationships education and the hope or expectation of either peer or societal acceptance. This is a shameful situation which may only be remedied by sufficient demand for reform by youth services and health service providers.

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see jpg image of original letter

Queensland Government

Office of the Premier and Minister for Trade

Please quote: 55656/CM2O/LJP

22 JUN 2004

Mr John Frame

82 Main Avenue

WAVELL HEIGHTS Q 4012

Dear Mr Frame

Thank you for your letter of 27 May 2004 advocating amending sections 208 and 209 of the Criminal Code relating to the law of sodomy. I have been requested to reply to you on the Premier’s behalf.

I refer to my previous correspondence on this issue in June 2003 and January 2004 and confirm the Government does not have any plans to make further changes to existing legislation in the current term.

In relation to most sexual acts, the age of consent in Queensland is 16 years. For carnal knowledge (that is, sexual intercourse) with or of a child (male or female), the age of consent is also 16 years. However, for sodomy (anal intercourse) of either a male or a female, the age of consent is 18 years.

The age of consent is always difficult and controversial, as it is effectively making a judgment as to when young people are capable of making a free choice about entering into sexual relationships.

The Government has no plans to alter the applicable law at this time.

As this matters falls within the responsibility of the Honourable Rod Welford MP, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of this correspondence to Mr Welford for his information.

Again, thank you for bringing this matter to the Premier’s attention.

Yours sincerely

Rob Whiddon

Chief of Staff
Executive Building
100 George Street Brisbane
P0 Box 185 Brisbane Albert Street
Queensland 4002 Australia
Telephone +61 7 3224 4500
Facsimile +61 7 3221 3631

Email ThePremier@premiers.qld.gov.au

Website www.thepremier.qld.gov.au