Religion in Politics

The Australian Constitution, for very good reason, states:

“The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth.” – Ch 5 ยง 116

The AFA considers that:

  1. It is inappropriate that any prayers are said in parliament
  2. It is inappropriate that government funds are spent on religious schools, hospitals, retirement villages and the like.
  3. It is inappropriate that religious businesses gain favourable tax treatment simply because they are religious.
  4. It is inappropriate that people of religion be excused from the responsibilities of law, behaviour, business, criminality, and discrimination