A young Australian has reignited a decade-long debate over whether Sharia law should be recognized in Australia, saying those who want it should leave the country.
Sharia is the body of religious law that is part of the Islamic tradition and is observed by many of the more than 813,000 Muslims in Australia.
Essentially, Sharia regulates legal relationships, including marriage, divorce, custody and inheritance, as well as contractual and business relationships.
Indigenous woman Madison King reignited the debate after she was sent a screenshot of a 2010 report by Ann Black, which investigated the case for legal recognition of Sharia law in Australia.
The report explores whether there is a desire among Australian Muslims for Sharia to be adapted, specifically in family law and finance.
It found that certain members of the Islamic community advocated for formal recognition of sharia law as a means of recognizing cultural and religious needs while aligning with their faith.
The report examined whether Sharia could be incorporated into Australia’s secular legal system without compromising its existing legal principles.
However, it concluded that maintaining the current legal framework was the best course of action.
Indigenous woman Madison King (pictured) said those who wanted Sharia law should “go and live in a country that suits their needs.”
King said Sharia law had no place in Australia
‘You have come to Australia in search of a better life. You came here with the intention of fitting in, living a peaceful life, and having a safe home.
‘It is not our obligation to bring your laws here and present yours to us. We are not interested.
“If our values and way of life don’t suit your needs, move back to a country that suits your needs.”
He stated that Australians would not settle in Japan, Thailand or China and expect to impose their culture and laws on another country.
“I’m all for people having their own religion and following it, but there’s a law in Australia and that’s it,” one person wrote.
In 2011, former Attorney General Robert McClelland emphatically rejected the introduction of Sharia law in Australia.
“There is no place for Sharia law in Australian society and the government firmly rejects any proposals for its introduction,” McClelland told AAP.

Sharia is the body of religious law that is part of the Islamic tradition and is observed by many of the more than 813,000 Muslims in Australia.
‘As our citizenship commitment makes clear, coming to Australia means obeying Australian laws and upholding Australian values.
‘The Australian type of multiculturalism promotes integration. If there is any inconsistency between cultural values and the rule of law, then Australian law wins.’
McClelland explained that the government’s response was a “stable democracy” in which a single, unified legal framework underpinned society.
“People who immigrate to Australia do so because we have a free, open and tolerant society where men and women are equal before the law regardless of their race, religion or cultural background.”