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.
