Section 116 sets out `` freedom of religion '' , by stopping the Commonwealth from making any law to start a religion , imposing any religious observance , or stop a religion , or religious discrimination for public office . Section 116 establishes what is often called `` freedom of religion '' , by forbidding the Commonwealth from making any law for the establishment of a religion , imposing any religious observance , or prohibiting the exercise of a religion , or religious discrimination for public office .