Identity and Liberal Politics: Are Aboriginal Peoples Like Other Minorities?

The paper examines the main criticisms levelled against attempts to use cultural and religious identity as a reason, to be balanced with other reasons, to protect a particular practice or tradition from laws that otherwise restrict it. I defend the public consideration of identity claims especially in cases that require accommodation. In contrast, identity-based arguments are of only limited value in advancing the case for self-determination. The argument is illustrated using Aboriginal cases heard by the Supreme Court of Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]