A young Aussie has reignited a decade-old debate over whether Sharia law should be recognised in – 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 .
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 .
The report explored whether there was a desire among n 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.
‘In , there are Muslims—including Keysar Trad, spokesperson for Islamic Friendship Association and the n Federation of Islamic Council—who feel our system should be more inclusive and champion the case for legal recognition of aspects of Sharia law, including legalisation of polygyny for Muslim men,’ the report said.
The report examined whether Sharia law could be incorporated into ‘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.
Ms King said Sharia law had no place in
‘You’ve come to 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 ns 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 that’s it,’ one person wrote.
In 2011, former attorney-general Robert McClelland emphatically rejected the introduction of Sharia law in .
‘There is no place for Sharia law in n society and the government strongly rejects any proposal for its introduction,’ Mr McClelland told AAP.
‘As our citizenship pledge makes clear, coming to means obeying n laws and upholding n values.
”s brand of multiculturalism promotes integration. If there is any inconsistency between cultural values and the rule of law then n 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 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.’