LOUISVILLE – Conscientious objector Tanja Medic has been granted the right to take an alternative oath so she will not have to swear to bear arms when she becomes a United States citizen on September 3, 2005.

Religious people who prove that they are conscientious objectors are permitted to take the alternative oath.  But, unlike many conscientious objectors, Ms. Medic is not a religious person.  Rather she came to view war as immoral after growing up in the aftermath of World War II.  Her belief was strengthened all the more as a consequence of witnessing the Bosnian War first hand.

After meeting all requirements for U.S. citizenship earlier this year, Ms. Medic sought the help of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky in requesting that immigration officials allow her to take an alternative oath.  She is willing to perform noncombatant service on behalf of the United States, but she could not swear to bear arms.

“It’s equally important for non-religious people to be able to be recognized as conscientious objectors,” said ACLU of Kentucky staff attorney Lili Lutgens, who represented Ms. Medic.  “This is an important victory for people who want to become American citizens, but whose consciences – for whatever reason – won’t allow them to take part in a war or other conflict.”