A young Aussie has reignited a decade-old debate over whether Sharia law should be recognised in Australia – arguing those who want it ‘integrated’ into the country’s systems should leave.
Sharia is the body of religious law that forms a part of the Islamic tradition and is observed by many of the more than 813,000 Muslims in Australia.
Essentially, Sharia regulates legal relationships, including marriage, divorce, custody and inheritance, as well as contractual and commercial dealings.
Indigenous woman Madison King reignited the debate after she was sent a screenshot of a 2010 report by Ann Black, which researched the case for legal recognition of Sharia law in Australia.
The report explored whether there was a desire among Australian Muslims for the accommodation of Sharia, namely in family law and finances.
It found certain members of the Islamic community were advocating for the formal recognition of sharia law as a means to recognise cultural and religious needs while also aligning with their faith.
The report examined whether Sharia law could be incorporated into Australia’s secular legal system without compromising its existing legal principles.
However, it concluded that maintaining the current legal framework was the best course of action.
Indigenous woman Madison King (pictured) claimed those who wanted Sharia law should ‘go and live back in a country that suits your requirements’
Ms King said Sharia law had no place in Australia
‘You’ve come to Australia for a better life. You came over here with the intention of fitting in, living a peaceful life and you’ve got a home that’s safe.
‘It is not our obligation to bring your laws over here and introduce us to yours. We’re not interested.
‘If our values and our way of living isn’t suiting your requirements, go and live back in a country that suits your requirements.’
She claimed Australians would not settle in Japan, Thailand or China and expect to impose their culture and laws in another country.
‘I’m all for people having there own religion and following them but there’s one law in Australia that’s it,’ one person wrote.
In 2011, former attorney-general Robert McClelland emphatically rejected the introduction of Sharia law in Australia.
‘There is no place for Sharia law in Australian society and the government strongly rejects any proposal for its introduction,’ Mr McClelland told AAP.
Sharia is the body of religious law that forms a part of the Islamic tradition and is observed by many of the more than 813,000 muslims in Australia
‘As our citizenship pledge makes clear, coming to Australia means obeying Australian laws and upholding Australian values.
‘Australia’s brand of multiculturalism promotes integration. If there is any inconsistency between cultural values and the rule of law then Australian law wins out.’
Mr McClelland explained the government’s response was for a ‘stable democracy’ where a single, unified legal framework underpinned society.
‘People who migrate to Australia do so because of the fact that we have a free, open and tolerant society where men and woman are equal before the law irrespective of race, religious or cultural background.’
