GHDI logo


Performing Civil Service (1986)

On January 20, 1960, under pressure from pacifists, the “Law on a Civil Alternative to Military Service for Conscientious Objectors” was enacted. The idea was for this service to be carried out in social and charitable institutions like hospitals. The first recognized conscientious objectors began their alternative service in April 1961. Its name was officially changed to Civil Service after passage of the “Third Law on Modifying the First Law on the Civil Alternative to Military Service.” In 1987, there were 88,340 openings for conscientious objectors to perform civil service; 53,800 of these openings were in the area of therapeutic care.

print version     return to image list previous image      first image in next chapter

Performing Civil Service (1986)

Courtesy of the German Information Center