Truly pluralistic and democratic nations should enshrine conscientious objection in law, a conference of Catholic legal advisors has stated.
Over the course of a three-day meeting in Slovakia of advisors to Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of some 20 European countries, delegates discussed both the idea of conscientious objection and argued for its maintenance by States
Noting that “freedom of conscience – a fundamental right at the foundation of democracy and the Rule of law of our European countries – is increasingly struggling, especially in the medical and educational field” in a Europe “ strongly marked by secularism and liberalism”, delegates called on states to recognise that for Catholics, while fully respecting laws, “conscientious objection should be instituted as a legal possibility that gives people the right to refuse duty, which is contrary to the general principles of doctrine and morals of the Church”.
“Conscientious objection is in the interests of the individual and of the state which aims to be pluralistic, democratic and respectful of the rule of law,” delegates heard. “It enables citizens to enjoy the right to freedom of conscience and religion, which is one of the core values of society. In particular the effects of conscientious objection should extend to the inviolability of human life from conception to natural death and also related health services. Its effects should also extend to the field of teaching on sexual morality in public school, marriage as a life community of one man and one woman and the exercise of freedom of religion in public life, particularly through the use of religious symbols.” In the area of healthcare, delegates cited “abortion, euthanasia, artificial insemination, research and organ transplants” as of relevance to the arguments around conscientious objection, while acknowledging that it “may not outweigh the duty of medical personnel to protect or save human lives”.
Conference delegates noted too that “a new dimension of conscientious objection arises with respect to aggressive promotion of gender ideology through education and anti-discrimination legislation”
The Bratislava conference was organised by the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, and was the second such gathering after an inaugural conference in Strasbourg, France, in 2013. The full statement can be read here.