Sex and the law (video transcript)

00:01

I think it’s very important to know the law here in Australia.

00:05

We are new to this place and we have a responsibility to know the laws that a new to us.

00:12

Australia's laws are important for all people living in Australia.

00:17

Our laws exist to protect everybody and help make our country as safe and peaceful place to live and study.

00:26

For me, I think sex is nothing to do with the law - it's personal.

00:31

Of course sexual relationships are personal...

00:34

But in Australia there are laws to protect people from sexual violence and people who are underage.

00:41

It's important that everyone understands that if they don't feel safe or that if something bad happens to them, the law will protect them.

00:50

The law in Australia is that people have to be over sixteen to have sex.

00:54

This includes same-sex partners.

00:57

Even if people look older or they tell you they are older it is illegal to have sex with someone under 16.

01:04

Both people need to like agree to it of course.

01:07

It's never okay to force someone to have sex.

01:11

It is illegal to have sex with a person if they do not consent...

01:15

and they can withdraw their consent to sex at any time.

01:20

This applies to males females and people who are married or in a relationship.

01:26

It feels good here in Australia.

01:29

The police are here to help us and it's good to feel safe.

01:34

Violence towards other people is illegal and is treated very seriously.

01:39

This includes violence in the home and marriages which is called domestic violence.

01:46

I think it's a lot like home here.

01:48

I think here all people are equal in law. It doesn't matter what country they are from... or whether they are gay or straight or male or female.

01:58

Australia feels like a peaceful place where people are free to say what they think and be who they are.

02:04

I think most people are respected here.

02:07

If you have been forced to have sex against your will, you can contact The Sexual Assault Resource Centre – SARC or the police at any time.

02:17

These services are free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, every day to all people living in or visiting Australia.

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