1st Edition
Religious Freedom and the Australian Constitution Origins and Future
Foreword: The Honourable Robert S French AC, Chief Justice of Australia 2008-2017
Chapter 1: A Sabbath Breaker in the Stocks
Chapter 2: Arguing for a Religious Character to the Australian Constitution
Chapter 3: Arguing Against a Religious Character to the Australian Constitution
Chapter 4: A Constitutional Recognition of God
Chapter 5: A Constitutional Prohibition on Religious Laws
Chapter 6: The Argument for Section 116
Chapter 7: The Language of Section 116
Chapter 8: The Original Understanding of Section 116
Chapter 9: Section 116 as a Safeguard Against Religious Intolerance
Chapter 10: HV Evatt’s Attempts to Amend Section 116
Chapter 11: Post-War Attempts to Amend Section 116
Chapter 12: The Future of Section 116
Biography
Dr Luke Beck is Associate Professor at Monash University, Australia.
'As matters of religion become more contentious in Australia, Beck's thorough, clear and insightful analysis of the religion provisions of the Australian constitution is welcome and timely. This book provides a fascinating history of the legal, political and social aspects of one of the few rights provisions of the constitution.'Carolyn Evans, the University of Melbourne, Australia
'The Australian Constitution’s references to religion have long been misunderstood. This work of meticulous and engaging scholarship uncovers their true historical origins and explains their foundational meaning. In doing so, it throws light on Australia’s historical culture, underlining its significance for both legal and popular understanding of law and religion today. Beck’s book will change minds.'
Helen Irving, The University of Sydney, Australia
'Does Australia's Constitution protect religious freedom? Does it separate religion and state? Luke Beck has given us a genuinely original, meticulously-researched and eye-opening take on how the Constitution's religion clauses got there, and what they mean - with potentially far-reaching consequences. More, it's thoroughly readable!'
Marion Maddox, Macquarie University, Australia
