Text only version of
the ready to print pamphlet as a 74k pdf file www.queerradio.org/AOCpamphlet.pdf
PLEASE NOTE:
The internet contains some wrong information about age of consent in
If you do not understand any part of this
file, or if you want either help or further information, then please contact
any of those services listed at the bottom of this file.
This brochure
offers straightforward information regarding age of consent and legal sexual
activity.
The interpretation of the current law is based on advice
received from former state Attorneys General Hon. Rod Welford
MP and Hon. Matt Foley MP. You can view both their statements at the Queer
Radio website: www.queerradio.org/AgeOfConsent.htm
Correct and concise
information is also online at the website of the Youth Advocacy Centre: www.yac.net.au
16 is the age of consent* for all males and females,
but anal sex is not legal for anyone
under the age of 18.
This means that all straight or gay persons aged 16 and over, may
legally consent to engage in sexual activities such as mutual masturbation,
body rubbing, and oral sex, for example. They may not engage in anal sex
("penis into anus" sex) involving either men or women - whether
giving or receiving - unless they are both aged 18 or over.
It is important that
everyone in the community is aware of the true interpretation of the law. Whether they consider themselves
gay or not, young men who have sex with other men need to know what they can
and cannot do, within the law. The rest of the community needs to accept that
these men have a legal right to choose to do sex. Everybody has a right to
express love and emotion.
The community must also be
ready to provide adequate and non-judgemental counselling services and sexual health education. All young
people deserve the support to remain healthy in both body and mind. They can
then continue to be appreciated as valued and respected members of our society
in all city, suburban and country areas.
* "Consent" is a term that refers to both the willingness
to do sex and the legal ability to make the decision to do so. Some people with
mental disabilities (or who are drunk or drugged) may not be considered legally
able to give "consent".
The decision about doing
sex should be an informed and personal choice. Your partner must also be a
willing participant and must be legally capable of giving their consent.
You must also be aware
that, at all times, any person has the right to refuse to engage in sex, and to
refuse to continue doing sex.
Please seek support,
information and literature on sexuality; sexual activity; how to care for your sexual health; and
any legal considerations from professional and supportive services such as:
"StepOUT" workshops are available for young men
This file was composed
and produced for
the purpose of increased public awareness of the law in September 2001 (updated
August 2006) by John Frame, presenter of gay & lesbian support program
Queer Radio on 4ZZZ fm102.1 in Brisbane. Please go to www.queerradio.org/AgeOfConsent.htm for validating reference material
and to www.queerradio.org/Links.htm for links to many useful websites,
including those especially in support of gay and lesbian youth.
Email
jvframe@ozemail.com.au