George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

) ( ): Senator Lambie, I am familiar with the provisions of the Constitution. I am familiar with the provisions of section 44. Section 44, as it has been interpreted by the High Court and explained on a number of occasions, is in relation to allegiance to a nation-state. It does not speak about adhesion to a particular religious belief. The issue of sharia law, I know, is an issue that has exercised and concerned a number of people. There have been many things said about it. But, on the basis of the authorities in the High Court, I do not believe that the issue of adherence to religious customs or practices has anything to do with adhesion or allegiance to a foreign state.