On Armistice Day, November 11, 2021, we encourage broad support for HR 2509, the Repeal Selective Service Act.
Already, Selective Service registration is required by law for men aged 18 to 25. Registration is supposed to be the first part of a fair and equitable system that, when authorized by the President and Congress, both provides an Alternative Service Program for conscientious objectors and – at the same time – rapidly attracts personnel to the better compensated Department of Defense.
On May 19, 2021, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) held a hearing with members of the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service. In its final report, this Commission urged not only maintaining the Selective Service System but also extending the burden of the draft to women.
This Commission was created as a result of the Department of Defense opening up all positions, including combat positions, to women, in 2016. That change raises questions about the fairness and constitutionality of male-only draft registration.
Rep. Peter DeFazio (Oregon) has proposed the Repeal Selective Service Act, HR 2509, to counter this move. Meanwhile, an amendment to this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, to open Selective Service to women, passed with every Democrat voting for it. HR 2509 awaits discussion by the HASC.
To raise public awareness of this situation, WILPF US makes this statement:
