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Our values · 1 min read

Freedom of religion

AUSTRALIAN VALUES In the real test, every values question must be correct.

Australia has no official national religion and people in Australia are free to follow any religion they choose. The government treats all citizens equally, whatever their religion or beliefs. However, religious practices must not break Australian laws.

Religious laws have no legal status in Australia. Australian law must be followed by everyone in Australia, including where it is different from religious laws. Some religious or cultural practices, such as polygamy (being married to more than one person at the same time) and forced marriage, are against the law in Australia and can result in severe legal penalties, including imprisonment.

Religious intolerance is not acceptable in Australian society. All people should be provided equal opportunity to pursue their goals and interests regardless of their ethnicity or religion as long as they are obeying Australian law.

Test yourself on this topic

7 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. A married man wishes to take a second wife because his tradition permits it. What does Australian law say?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • It is permitted if his religious leader approves the marriage
    • Polygamy is against the law and can lead to imprisonment
    • It is permitted if his first wife gives her agreement
    • It is permitted as long as the marriage is not registered

    Explanation: Being married to more than one person at the same time is a crime in Australia, whatever the tradition behind it.

  2. 2. A religious practice followed by a group would break an Australian law. What applies in that situation?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Religious groups are exempt from laws that affect worship
    • The practice is allowed while it takes place on religious premises
    • Religious practices must not break Australian laws
    • The practice is allowed because it is part of an old tradition

    Explanation: Freedom of religion is real, but it does not allow anyone to break the law of the country.

  3. 3. A shopkeeper refuses to serve customers because of the religion they follow. How does Australian society view this?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • It is acceptable, as a private business may choose its customers
    • Religious intolerance is not acceptable in Australian society
    • It is acceptable when the shopkeeper follows a different faith
    • It is acceptable, as other shops nearby will serve those customers

    Explanation: Treating people badly because of their faith goes against a core Australian value.

  4. 4. A workmate asks whether they may keep practising the religion they followed overseas. What is the answer?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Yes, people in Australia may follow any religion they choose
    • Only religions registered with the government may be practised
    • Only Australia's official national religion may be practised
    • Religion may only be practised inside a person's own home

    Explanation: Australia has no official national religion, so people are free to follow the faith they choose.

  5. 5. Does the Australian government treat people of some religions better than people of others?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Yes, the official national religion is given special treatment by law
    • No, the government treats all citizens equally, whatever their religion
    • Yes, only long-established faiths are recognised by the government
    • Yes, the largest religions are given extra support by government

    Explanation: Government must deal with every citizen on the same terms, regardless of their religion or beliefs.

  6. 6. Parents plan to force their daughter into a marriage that she does not want. What does Australian law say?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • It is lawful if both families have agreed to the marriage
    • It is lawful where it follows a long cultural tradition
    • Forced marriage is against the law and carries severe penalties
    • It is a private family matter that sits outside the law

    Explanation: Forcing someone to marry is a serious offence here and can lead to imprisonment.

  7. 7. Someone argues that where a religious law and Australian law differ, the religious law should win. Are they right?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • No, religious laws have no legal status in Australia
    • Yes, where a senior religious leader confirms the rule
    • Yes, if the religious community has agreed to follow it
    • Yes, but only for members of that particular religion

    Explanation: Religious rules may guide a believer's conscience, but they carry no legal force. Australian law comes first.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet