On December 11, 1931, Canada acquired full legal autonomy from Britain. It was the date that the Statute of Westminster was passed that established the Crown Dominion of Canada as independent of the British Parliament. Despite being granted the right to govern itself way back in 1867, Canada did not enjoy full legal autonomy until December 1931.
In 1982, Canada took the last step to become a totally independent country that could legally amend its constitution instead of depending on Britain in any way. It was Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau who helped bring in the final change.
The author of this excerpt is presenting an argument for Japan to follow a policy of "<span>(4) economic imperialism" since there are so few other options available. </span>
Laws related to religion and morality
Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:
"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."
Two caveats:
Don't try to change your religion in some counries. Some countries that have a state religion have laws making you eligible to be executed by the government after a trial, or by your family in an honor killing if you change your religion from the official belief system.
Don't try to manifest your religious beliefs in practice if it includes the need to discriminate against or to denigrate others. There may be human rights legislation in place that make such treatment a crime.
