Law And Religion In Western Australia: Cooperation or Conflict?

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between law and religion in Australia, with a particular emphasis on Western Australia. Australia’s common law and legal system have lengthy and deep Christian roots. Whist there have been sectarian tensions, the historical dominance of Christian faith among the population led to a basic agreement on many areas of morality and behaviour. The paper recognises that the cooperation between law and religion in Australia is under severe strain and considers the causes of this tension. It argues that as conflict between law and religion is increasing religious freedom now requires greater protection in law.