Religious Freedom and the Australian Constitution

Dr Luke Beck is Associate Professor at Monash University, Australia.

• 1. A Sabbath Breaker in the Stocks; 2. Arguing for a Religious Character to the Australian Constitution; 3. Arguing Against a Religious Character to the Australian Constitution; 4. A Constitutional Recognition of God; 5. A Constitutional Prohibition on Religious Laws; 6. The Argument for Section 116; 7. The Language of Section 116; 8. The Original Understanding of Section 116; 9. Section 116 as a Safeguard Against Religious Intolerance; 10. HV Evatt’s Attempts to Amend Section 116; 11. Post-War Attempts to Amend Section 116; 12: The Future of Section 116;

'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