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Equality under the law

Part 4: Australian values. Our Common Bond, p. 36.

Everyone has equal rights regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race or origin, and each person makes their own choices about marriage and religion.

This is a values topic. You must answer every values question correctly to pass the real test.

What to remember

  • Equal rights regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race or origin. Two men or two women can marry.
  • Men and women can both vote, stand for parliament, and join the ADF and police.
  • Each person makes their own choices on marriage and religion. Violence against a partner is a crime.
  • Either spouse may apply for divorce, even if the other wants to stay married.

Sample questions

Can two men or two women marry each other under Australian law?Show answer
  1. Yes
  2. No, marriage is only between a man and a woman
  3. Only in some states

Yes. Australian society values the equal rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation. Under our laws, two people can marry each other, including two men or two women.

Can women in Australia join the Australian Defence Force and the police force?Show answer
  1. Yes, men and women have equal access
  2. Only in support roles
  3. No, these jobs are only for men

Yes, men and women have equal access. Both men and women have equal access to education and employment, can vote, stand for parliament, join the ADF and police force, and are treated equally in courts of law.

Who has the right to make decisions about personal matters such as marriage and religion?Show answer
  1. The person's parents or community leaders
  2. Each person, man or woman, makes their own independent choices
  3. The husband makes these choices for his wife

Each person, man or woman, makes their own independent choices. Both men and women have the right to make their own independent choices about personal matters, such as marriage and religion, and are protected by law from intimidation or violence.

Practise 15 questions on this topicUnlock all 15 questions on this topic

Source: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, p. 36. Read the full booklet on the Home Affairs website.