Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's government plans to introduce legislation in parliament that will lower the age of consent for anal sex to standardise the minimum age requirement for all sexual acts as in the other states of Australia.
Currently, the age of consent for anal sex is 18, while other sexual acts can take place legally with consent at 16. The age of consent for all “sexual interactions” is 17 years in South Australia and Tasmania, and 16 years in every other state.
Queensland is the only state in Australia where there is a disparity, which the government says discriminates against gay men.
Health Minister Cameron Dick told the Brisbane Times that it was the only course of action the government could take.
“By making this change, we’re addressing the disparity between the age of consent for penetrative sex, which has resulted in adverse consequences for young people in this state,” he said.
“It is clear that inconsistent age of consent laws act as a barrier to young people accessing safe sexual health information.
“It’s time that Queensland modernised its framework.”
The government will also release an Australian-first draft Sexual Health Strategy, which will work towards providing better information around sexual health and contraceptive options.
