Conscientious objector status backed for GI

[unhappycamper]

Conscientious objector status backed for GI
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday May 14, 2008 11:27:12 EDT

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A federal magistrate has ruled that the Army should be ordered to grant conscientious objector status to a Fort Richardson-based paratrooper.

The request by Pfc. Michael Barnes, 26, was denied last year.

U.S. Magistrate John Roberts ruled Tuesday that the government failed to show any “basis in fact” for denying Barnes’ request to be honorably discharged due to his religious beliefs.

The government has four days to respond.

Barnes is a native of Portland, Ore. He enlisted in February 2005 and served in Iraq in 2006 and 2007. The paratrooper served as a radio operator in the 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/05/ap_conscientiousobjector_051308/