Protecting religious freedom and conscience : What Australia might learn from Germany

The recently published Australian Government's Religious Freedom Review,' of December 2018, drew attention to a perceived "limited understanding in the general [Australian] community about the human right to religious freedom, its application, and how it interacts with other human rights." 2 This is particularly apparent in the understanding of, and legal implications surrounding, conscience protection. 3 Countries other than Australia have wrestled with this problem over extended periods and under diverse circumstances. 4

Australia's founding fathers borrowed heavily from the United States in drafting the Australian Constitution.5 The constitutions of other countries also have much to offer as Australia now considers how to protect freedom of conscience and religious practice in a globalized world. 6 One such country is the Federal Republic of Germany.