role of religion in governement

[Yahia]

Salam,

I was hoping to get a quranic perspective about the role of religion in government. If for instance a country is started by a muslim community but is welcome to others, what kinds of rights and freedom should be granted to everyone in the country and should religious prohibitions be prohibited for all by the government through laws or should the government play a small role in that aspect and leave it to individual freedom... an example that came to mind was should gay practise or marriage be condemned by the government or should it be left to individuals and there be no government involvement that neither supports nor condemns it.

[Wakas]

peace,

A good place to start is HERE. In my view these would be the only punishable offences (see link for verses):

Murder

Manslaughter

Corruption in the land

Adultery, fornication, immorality

Direct abuse/harassment

Usury

Theft

[Mohammed]

Salaam,

For practices like same sex marriages/ partnerships, I think the government should not support (like registration, providing legal recognition etc.) and should not punish.

[Wakas]

Also see:
Principles of State and Government in Islam

http://muhammad-asad.com