Conscientious objection: 100 years on

2 March 2016 is the centenary of the Military Service Act. The conscience clause of the Act provided for conscientious objection to combatant military service and was a fundamental shift towards individual freedoms. The right to conscientious objection is now internationally recognised as part of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. It is important that the roots of conscientious objection are remembered alongside the many other commemorations of World War I.

The fight continues. The new Taxes for Peace Bill is a new piece of legislation, drafted by campaign group Conscience (see conscienceonline.org.uk). It is expected to be laid in Parliament in early March 2016.

If you would like more information about WWI, conscientious objectors, or the new Taxes for Peace Bill, please contact Elizabeth Payne at elizabethp@quaker.org.uk .

There is a hashtag #100yearsofconscience

Illustration shows Corder Catchpool, a famous Quaker Conscientious Objector.