ABSTRACT
The question of what is the true religion, or indeed whether there is such a thing as the true religion, is a question for theologians. Why religion exists and why some succeed and others fade is a question for philosophers and historians. Whether a particular belief constitutes a religion, a philosophy or a political opinion can, however, be a question which has to be decided by lawyers. Now that legislation has been passed, dealing with religious discrimination and religious hatred, courts may find themselves having to draw fine distinctions between religious beliefs, philosophical beliefs, political beliefs and personal opinions. Depending on the particular wording of the legislation in question, where the courts draw the line could determine whether or not a person is guilty of unlawful discrimination or guilty of particular criminal offences.
