RICHARDS, Michael Lewis

Family Name:

Richards

Given Names:

Michael Lewis

Gender:

Male

Birth-Date:

Unknown, possibly 1935

Death-Date:

Unknown

Marital Status:

Unknown, probably single

Age:

18 years old

Location:

WA, Perth

Occupation:

Unknown

Primary Motivation:

Conscientious Objector, religious

Reason for Court Appearance:

Application for total exemption from military duties as a conscientious objector

Court Name and Location:

Unknown, Perth

Court Hearing Date:

26 August 1953

Court Outcome:

Application was granted

Military Event:

National Service 1951-1959

Further Information:

Michael Richards was from Western Australia and a Jehovah’s Witness by religion. Based on his religious beliefs he applied for full exemption from military duties as a conscientious objector under the National Service Act 1951 (NSA). He stated at his Perth Court hearing on 26 August 1953 that, he did not believe in killing or war. A Jehovah’s Witness Minister supported Michael at his hearing and informed the court that a member of the faith could volunteer for military training without fear of expulsion from the church. Such a person was answerable not to the church but to God. By implication he was also saying that Michael in seeking exemption from the NSA was acting on his conscience, answerable to God. The application was granted.

Confirmatory Sources:

Peacemaker, October 1953, p.2.