(January 20, 2009 at 6:31 pm)Tiberius Wrote: The UK monarchy also serves no purpose other than to absolve parliament so a new one can be elected. Really it should just be written in the constitution and the process would be a lot easier. I'd much prefer a head of state that actually had their arse on the line rather than on a throne with no possibility of being held responsible for their actions.
From what I've read, we don't actually have a constitution here in the UK... but the closest thing we do have is pretty ridiculous:
constitution Wrote:Section 18 Freedom of Religion
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
(1) Worship and religious teaching take place without any interference from the State. There is complete freedom of thought, conscience or form of worship and no restriction on the right of any citizen to change his or her religion. Atheists and agnostics are also free to propagate their views.
(2) A person may, however, be held guilty of blasphemous libel if he or she publishes scurrilous and offensive references to Christianity that go beyond the limits of proper controversy. This does not apply to debate and discussion about the truth of Christian doctrines.
(3) Churches and religious societies of all kinds own property, run schools and propagate their beliefs in speech and writing. Inquiries are not made about religion in population censuses or other official returns.
(4) There is no religious bar to the holding of public office except in the case of the Sovereign who must by law be a Protestant.
Source