(Main article: Age of consent) The ages of consent for sexual activity vary by jurisdiction across Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, ranging from age 15 to age 18. The specific activity engaged in or the gender of its participants can also be affected by the law. Below is a discussion of the various laws dealing with this subject. The highlighted age refers to an age at or above which an individual can engage in unfettered sexual relations with another who is also at or above that age. Close in age exceptions may exist and are noted when relevant. In September 2016, the Queensland Parliament passed new laws equalising the age of consent for anal sex to 16 years of age.Legislation lowering the age of consent in Queensland for anal sex to 16 was signed into law on 23 September 2016.