Queensland has implemented new sexual consent laws today, introducing an affirmative consent model and criminalizing stealthing—removing a condom without consent. Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman, emphasized the significance of these changes in addressing sexual assault, particularly affecting women and girls.
The new legislation alters the definition of consent to require it to be actively “agreed” upon, aligning Queensland with other states in Australia. Stealthing will now be classified as rape, carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, reflecting its growing prevalence.
These reforms arise from recommendations from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, with the Queensland government committing $225 million for implementation, including upgrades to court systems and expanding support services. Despite these advancements, experts urge continued education on consent and recognize the need for further reforms as statistics indicate rising rates of sexual assault
