*Age Of
Consent & Legal Sexual Activity for the State of
6th October 2011 Email to Premier
Anna Bligh. Regarding her 4th October 2011 video contribution to the USA
based “It Gets Better” campaign, which aims to support same sex attracted youth
who are at risk of depression, self-harm and suicide. I remind the
Premier that her Labor Government has not yet enacted the necessary legislation
reform which is needed to fully protect and support Queensland’s own same sex
attracted youth. Queensland’s unequal age of consent criminalises
same sex attracted youth and validates the actions of any bully who wants to
abuse or attack them.
Email From: John Frame
[mailto:jvframe@ozemail.com.au]
Sent: Thursday, 6 October 2011 12:06 AM
To: Hon. Premier Anna Bligh
Subject: Premier Bligh's YouTube video posting to the "It Gets Better"
campaign
Dear
Premier,
I note
with strong interest the publicity in several media (Brisbane Times, Sydney
Star Observer and Gay News Network) since 4th October 2011 regarding your video
contribution to the "It Gets Better" campaign.
I would
very much like to be able to join some others in praise for your statement, however I cannot do so until I see evidence that
your Government is making an adequate effort to protect Queensland's own youth
from bullying.
The
current gross inequity in age of consent law, which defines same sex attracted
16 and 17 year old males as potential criminals, serves to validate the actions
of any bully who wants to abuse and attack same sex attracted youth.
I know
you are well aware that Queensland Labor's own Policy
Platform includes a specific commitment to enact a truly equal age of consent. Section 7.9 of the Justice and
Governance Chapter has, since at least 2008, been: “7.9 Labor
will ensure uniformity of age among laws relating to the age of consent for
lawful sexual activity;”
It would have been wonderful,
and truly praiseworthy if you had enhanced your "It Gets Better"
contribution by simultaneously announcing that your Government would be
bringing Queensland into line with the rest of Australia by enacting "uniformity of age among laws
relating to the age of consent for lawful sexual activity." It would have
been an opportunity to very positively reinforce your commitment to the
protection of youth.
The
opportunity to pass this morally vital legislation only exists while Labor holds a majority. And so I urge you to see the great
value and justice in publicly declaring that your Government has plans to act
swiftly in ensuring that all Queensland youth are protected and supported
equally under the law, regardless of their gender or their sexual orientation,
or the sexual activity to which they may consent.
I welcome
your response and action.
Yours
sincerely,
John
Frame
82 Main
Ave., Wavell Hts 4012 Australia
Ph: (07)
3350 1562 / 0409 501 561
http://www.queerradio.org/AgeOfConsent.htm
---"There
is no substitute for equality"---