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Australian Commission Releases Report on Freedom of Religion In 21st Century

By Howard M. Friedman

Yesterday the Australian Human Rights Commission released a 92-page report titled Freedom of Religion and Belief in 21st Century Australia.  Here are some excerpts from the Report's findings:

[T]here is strong support from all voices ? whether religious, spiritual, secular or agnostic ? for education about the religions, spiritualities and worldviews present in and affecting Australia.... The self-definition and religious character of Australia has been and remains a contentious issue, with various voices advocating Australia as a Christian nation, or as a secular nation, or as a multifaith plural nation.... Greater recognition of a wider range of spiritual communities in Australia, such as pagan and Indigenous beliefs, is needed....

Religious Australia is generally well-led by its leaders who understand the complexities of a complex civil society. There were, however, calls for comprehensive orientation training for clergy from overseas who are now serving in Australia, whose numbers are increasing....

Legislation was perhaps the biggest issue to emerge....  [D]istrust of and opposition to any legislative change was the strongest sentiment expressed[,] ... primarily to protect exemptions for religious groups from anti-discrimination legislation.... 

Significant distrust of Muslims and Islam was expressed by some. There were also reports of discrimination against Muslims and other religious minorities....

[C]oncern was expressed regarding the perceived growing influence of religious lobby groups in Australia, and their perceived influence in government policy-making and decisions. On the other hand, religious groups are concerned that religion is under threat from what was termed ?aggressive secularism?, and that the role of religion and its contribution to the social and economic advancement of the community is undermined, and a lack of respect for faith and people of faith exhibited.

An important finding is that no religious group argued that it sought to make its religious law the law of Australia or of the individual states and territories. All saw their role as working within the constitutional framework of Australia.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on March 22, 2011 (boomark / email).