PUTTING THE RECENT DEBATE ON CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION INTO PERSPECTIVE
Abstract
A heated debate on conscientious objection has been conducted in the press and in parliament during the past few months. The debate has been triggered off by the introduction of the new Defence Amendment Bill which deals mainly with new provisions for dealing with conscientious objectors to military service. To many South Africans this well-publicized debate has provided their first introduction to the rather complicated problem of conscientious objection. No doubt, quite a few of them, for lack of the necessary background knowledge, do not full grasp the intricate and subtle arguments used in this debate. What I would like to do in this article is to give at least some information that can contribute to a better understanding of the debate on conscientious objection within the South African context. In the first part of the article attention will be given to some of the historical developments that have led to the introduction of the new Defence Bill and the present debate. In the second part of the article the arguments given in support of the proposed legislature will be enumerated and discussed critically.Downloads
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