HR1702: HR1702 General Assembly; protection of constitutional conscience, rule of law, and lawful exercise of conscientious objection; urge

26 LC 112 3915 House Resolution 1702 By: Representatives Davis of the 87th, Scott of the 76th, Bell of the 75th, Jackson of the 68th, and Griffin of the 149th A RESOLUTION Urging for the protection of constitutional conscience, the rule of law, and the lawful exercise1 of conscientious objection; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, this resolution shall be known and may be cited as "Th e Constitutional3 Conscience Objectors and Guardians of the Rule of Law Resolution"; and4 WHEREAS, the United States Constitution establishes the rule of law as the foundation of5 our democratic republic, ensuring that government actions are accountable to constitutional6 limits; and7 WHEREAS, members of the United States Armed Forces swear an oat h to support and8 defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; and9 WHEREAS, the First Amendment protects freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and10 the right of individuals to have deeply held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs; and11 WHEREAS, the longstanding American tradition of conscientious objection recognizes that12 individuals may lawfully decline participation in war when their deeply held beliefs prohibit13 them from bearing arms or participating in armed conflict; and14 H. R. 1702 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3915 WHEREAS, historically, conscientious objection has been recognized for individuals whose15 beliefs arise from religious traditions promoting peace, includ ing but not limited to the16 Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Mennonites, and the Church of the Brethren; and17 WHEREAS, modern interpretations of conscientious objection with in the United States18 recognize that such objections may also arise from ethical, moral, or philosophical beliefs,19 even when those beliefs are not tied to a specific religious doctrine; and20 WHEREAS, federal law provides a process for individuals to appl y for conscientious21 objector status through the Selective Service System, allowing eligible individuals to perform22 alternative service in support of public health, safety, or national welfare rather than combat23 roles; and24 WHEREAS, transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law are essential to25 maintaining public trust in the decisions that lead a nation into armed conflict; and26 WHEREAS, the American people have the right to expect that decisions regarding war and27 military engagement will be conducted in accordance with the Constitution, federal law, and28 principles of justice; and29 WHEREAS, questions regarding transparency, sealed records, delayed accountability, and30 potential violations of constitutional principles raise serious concerns regarding adherence31 to the rule of law; and32 WHEREAS, the United States military exists to defend the Consti tution and the freedoms33 of the American people—not to shield wrongdoing or circumvent constitutional protections;34 and35 H. R. 1702 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3915 WHEREAS, a healthy democracy requires vigilance, transparency, and adherence to lawful36 procedures when matters of war and peace are considered.37 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that38 the members of this body urge for the protection of constitutional conscience, recognizing39 the lawful right of individuals to seek conscientious objector status when their deeply held40 moral, ethical, or religious beliefs prohibit participation in armed conflict.41 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize that individuals42 exercising conscientious objection should do so through lawful channels and established43 procedures under federal law; the rule of law must be followed in all matters related to war44 authorization, military engagement, and the protection of const itutional rights; and that45 transparency and accountability must guide the actions of publi c officials responsible for46 decisions that affect the lives of service members and the security of the nation.47 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body affirm the ir support for48 members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans who have faithfully served under49 their constitutional oath.50 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized51 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the52 public and the press.53 H. R. 1702 - 3 -