After all, that's how the Christians did it, right?

Steven,
From what I can read about Beth Din in relation to divorce both parties must still obtain a civil divorce. This would be similar to any couple requesting a divorce, from our courts, on agreed to terms.

Therefore it is an arbitration body without legal power under our laws.

If one reads what is said by these Islamic schoolars (see link), it seems that they do not recognise a divorce unless it is ratified religously. In other words they see sharia as above our law.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/sharia-law-applied-secretly-in-sydney/story-e6freuzi-1226057808947

There is no reason why muslims now cannot arbitrate on mariatal matters, but they should accept that our courts have the ultimate rule, which is binding in Aus.

The submission to the government now requests that Sharia Law be given, at least, the same status as our law, on certain matters.

Funny how the champions of multi culturalism now have another mess to clean up. They are so dumb that the problem is only going to get worse as we allow more and more people incompatible to our culture into this country. Oh well lets just blame the 'bigotted' Christians rather than face the truth that secular multi culturalism has failed dismally. The problem will grow as the denial continues. Lets swap one for five. No wonder Labour is on the nose so much.

If I seem complacent, I guess it must be because I feel so safe knowing that so many dogs will always bark when the whistle blows.

Now if we can just train them to stop crapping on the carpet and humping the new house-mates legs, life would be so much nicer.

Banjo

As I said in my post, I do not think mariage contracts in Australia could or should be governed by sharia law.

In the case of the Jewish Courts (Beth Din) they do not have the power to dispose of property or make rulings on child custody or anything of the sort in the case of divorce. Their sole power is the right to grant or refuse a Jewish divorce (a "get")

The only effect of not obtaining a get is that no orthodox Rabbi will marry you should you choose to remarry. You are still free to contract a civil marriage or, for that matter, get married in a liberal synagogue. Many Jewish divorcees avail themselves of one or both these options or simply cohabit.

My previous post related solely to EQUAL parties entering into a VOLUNTARY binding agreement that disputes between them should be decided by arbitrators acting in accordance with sharia law. I argued that unless the decision of the arbitrator violated some principle of Australian law the secular courts should enforce the agreement.

Dear pelican,

Although I'm not entirely convinced about the need for a Bill of Rights I think in this context it might be a good vehicle for the 'absolutes' I spoke of. In reflecting the values we hold dear in this country all new laws could be measured against it and be challenged if they fail to meet its standard.