"It is conceded that religion inspires individuals and institutions to do good for others, and charitable works in themselves, no matter by whom they are carried out, merit government assistance and financial benefits".

Does Islam inspire individuals to "do good for others"? I think not; just the opposite in fact.

Charitable works: Prior to government interference in everything, the Church carried out all charitable works without assistance and made a good job of it, with its own resources. Perhaps now, when charity is much more expensive - even the 'needy' demand better services - their should be some taxpayer assistance. But that should be it. None of the tax breaks etc received by religious charities operating shops for profit.

And, as the author mentions, the mere practising of any religion deserves no reward.

But, taxpayer money for Islamic charities? No! Their 'charities' are not clearly defined. It has been suggested that their 'charities' could be linked to terrorism, and given the close-to-the-chest attitude of Islam, we cannot be sure that the suggestions are not true. We do know that a lot money has gone from Australian Islam into mosques, both here and overseas. Handing money over to a combined religious/political organisation, clearly anti-West, is absurd to the point of criminality by Australia government.

Australia already has the nonsense of protecting the idiots with their imaginary friends in the sky. As far as I am concerned I have spent my entire life (60 years) listening and agreeing with arguments for free speech.
Now our left leaning mates, to cosy up to the islamists, say that has to go? I think, not only are they wrong but we have to hound them every step of their murky and corrupt way.
The ABC must have shown the insulting "Stop it or you will go blind" Max Gillies skit. Now those disgusting oxygen thieves are doing all they can for one of the most horrible mobs on the planet. They should be ashamed of themselves and we must call them out every time!
Do not start me on the Green Nazi's

Conclusion

"We all need freedom of religion whether we have a religion or not. But we need freedom of all thought, opinions and convictions and the freedom to articulate these in our personal activities through expression, association and assembly, without unreasonable interference by the state."

It is therefore important that those who speak from a religious position need to not only have the freedom to speak into the 'Public Square" - but be encouraged to do so and to have their position respected.

<<It is therefore important that those who speak from a religious position need to not only have the freedom to speak into the 'Public Square" - but be encouraged to do so and to have their position respected.>>

I see no need to respect a religious position more than any other position. Any argument should be subject to criticism on the basis of its relevance, logic and its factual support. It is important that we critically examine any argument on those grounds whether religious or not. Many religious arguments are based on belief for which there is no evidence. That type of argument should be given no more respect than a non-religious argument not accompanied by supporting evidence.

LesP - respect as in if I insult their prophet they will behead me?
Alternatively they can espouse their idiotic and hateful dogma with you allowing us to do what exactly?
I am calling you out as someone who will just work for these horrors against our country.
Despicable and cowardly matey!

Dear JBowyer,

There is no more reason to respect a Christian, Jewish, Buddhist or Hindu argument than there is to respect a Muslim argument.