Two Major Jewish Groups Intervene on Behalf of Conscientious Objector

Two major American Jewish organizations have filed friend of the court briefs with the United States Supreme Court on behalf of a conscientious objector who refused induction into the armed forces because he was opposed to the Vietnam war on moral and ethical grounds. In intervening in the case of John Heffron Sisson. Jr., the American Jewish Congress and the American Jewish Committee are challenging the constitutionality of the Selective Service Act which recognizes conscientious objection only on the basis of religious beliefs. Both briefs argue that by granting exemption from military service to persons opposed to war by reason of “religious training and belief.” the Act accords preferential treatment to believers over non-believers in violation of the First Amendment. The Supreme Court will hear arguments this week on the issue in reviewing a decision by Federal Judge Charles E. Wyzanski. Jr., of the U.S. District Court in Boston, who ruled along the lines suggested by the AJ Committee and the AJ Congress. At issue also is the right to refuse to serve in a particular war. Both briefs stressed that the Constitution requires the Government to remain neutral between religion and non-religion and between believers and non-believers.