Freedom of religion
4 min · 16 practice questions · values questions
Australia has no official national religion, and people are free to follow any religion they choose — or none. The government treats all citizens equally regardless of religion or beliefs. But religious practices must not break Australian law: religious laws have no legal status, and Australian law must be followed by everyone, even where it differs from religious law. Polygamy and forced marriage are against the law in Australia.
This topic is also part of Part 2, Democratic beliefs and rights. The test can ask about it from either angle.
What Our Common Bond says
- Australia has no official national religion; people are free to follow any religion, or none.
- The government treats all citizens equally regardless of their religion or beliefs.
- Religious practices must not break Australian law, and religious laws have no legal status in Australia.
- Australian law must be followed by everyone, even where it differs from religious law.
- Polygamy and forced marriage are against the law in Australia.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a religious rule can override an Australian law — it cannot.
- Assuming freedom of religion allows practices that break the law.
- Believing Australian law applies only to citizens, or only to people without a religion — it applies to everyone in Australia.
Test yourself
One question at a time: pick an answer, then check it. Everything here comes from Our Common Bond, Part 4, page 37 (official booklet ↗).
Question 1 of 16Values question
Checked against Our Common Bond (0.3.1). Last reviewed September 2026. How questions are checked