Article 18

Official text

Freedom of conscience is guaranteed. No one shall be importuned on account of his/her convictions or beliefs or compelled to reveal them or obliged to act against his/her conscience.

Legal commentary

Interpretation

This article guarantees freedom of conscience, distinct from religious freedom in Article 19. The Constitutional Court has recognized conscientious objection to military service (C-728/2009) and in medical contexts. Unlike the US First Amendment which focuses on religion, this provision explicitly protects non-religious philosophical, ethical, or moral convictions.

Consulted sources

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