Conscientious objector

A conscientious objector (CO) is a person who refuses to serve in the armed forces because to do so would violate his conscience. Such people are often motivated by a religious idea of pacifism, such as Quakers or Jehovah's Witnesses.

Conscientious objector status is generally not given to people who have political reasons for opposing their nation's military policy, even if they call themselves "anti-war". They must demonstrate a moral or religious objection to the institution of war itself.

"Selective" conscientious objectors only refuse to fight in a particular war, but the U.S. does not grant them CO status. Nor does it grant CO status for mere philosophical or practical objections.

External links

• Who is a Conscientious Objector?
• Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors