Civil Liberties Australia, in its submission to the Senate inquiry on freedom of religion, argues Australia is not a Christian country on the basis that \u201cit is not correct in law and in fact is directly contradicted by the Constitution\u201d.<\/p>\n
The reality proves otherwise: although Australia is a secular society, where there is a division between church and state, to deny the significance of Christianity is to deny the nation\u2019s heritage and culture and to ignore what underpins our political and legal systems.<\/p>\n
Rather than ignoring Christianity, the Constitution\u2019s preamble includes the words: \u201cHumbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God\u201d and parliaments around Australia begin with the Lord\u2019s Prayer.<\/p>\n
Perth lawyer Augusto Zimmermann says Australia\u2019s political and legal systems owe much to Christianity.<\/p>\n
He says: \u201cIt is evident the foundations of the Australian nation, and its laws, have discernible Christian-philosophical roots.\u201d<\/p>\n