Secularity

Working towards true separation of church and state

In the 2021 Census, 39% of Australians chose “no religion”; significantly more than any one religious denomination. Most Australians believe keeping church and state separate is very important.

Humanists Australia agrees with the idea of state neutrality when it comes to religion. This means that the law should treat everyone equally, without favoring any specific religion or persecuting anyone for their beliefs. We believe that everyone should be allowed to practice their religion, as long as they don't infringe on the rights of others. We also believe that everyone should have the freedom to not follow any religion and live their lives without interference from other people's religious ideas.

For too long, some religions and churches have been able to exert undue influence on the legislature. No person should be disadvantaged by their personal belief choices, nor should any religion hold a disproportionate amount of power.

For true separation of church and state, all Australians deserve to live in a country where they enjoy freedom of - and from - religion.

Humanists Australia is a sponsor of the
2023 Secularism Australia Conference.

You’re invited to join us for the first Secularism Australia Conference – a one-day event being held in Sydney this December.
Our society is rapidly changing, becoming more multicultural and diverse, and increasingly less religious. Yet, our government policies and institutions are failing to reflect this reality and to treat all Australians fairly, regardless of religious or non-religious beliefs.
We believe there is a strong desire in the community for separation of church and state, and a need for Australia to embrace secularism in the spirit of a fair go so that government does not play favourites when it comes to religion.
At the conference, you will hear from inspirational pro-secular speakers as they share their visions for secularism in Australia, and meet the secular champions who are pushing for reform.

Book now!

2026 Census topic consultation

The census question on religion has been misleading in previous years, because by asking the question “What is your religion?” it begins with the presumption that the person has a religion, and that may influence the answer.

We have joined with our colleagues from the Census21 coalition - Humanists Victoria, the Rationalist Society of Australia, the National Secular Lobby, the Atheist Foundation of Australia and Sydney Atheists - to prepare and submit a response to the Australian Bureau of Statistics calling for feedback on census questions.

Read the Submission