This series of briefing papers looks at the QCEA proposals relating to the recognition of Conscientious Objection to taxation for military purposes which we are making to the Council of Europe and sets them in the context of the Council of Europe and its prior work on Conscientious Objection to Military Service. You can download the complete set here in English, French, and German.
What is the Council of Europe
This paper outlines the aims and procedures of the Council of Europe, which countries are included in it, their function, the institutions around it, and how it cooperates with other European institutions.
“What is the Council of Europe?” in English (PDF – 118 KB)
“Qu’est ce que le Conseil de l’Europe?” en français (PDF – 114 KB)
“Was ist der Europarat?” auf Deutsch (PDF – 45 KB)
Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion and Conscientious Objection in the Council of Europe
We see the right to Conscientious Objection to military taxation to be a logical consequence of the right to Conscientious Objection to military service. The latter has its legal foundations in the European Convention of Human Rights. In this briefing paper, we will look at all these concepts and how they tie in with each other.
The Logic of Extending the Right to Conscientious Objection to Taxation
The paper argues that exchanging military service for a tax is not the same thing. it does not allow for the necessary get out clause and, will end with the citizen paying more over their lifetime than they would were they to be part of peacetime conscription.
“The Logic of Extending the Right to Conscientious Objection to Taxation” in English (PDF – 47 KB)
Frequently Asked Questions
“Frequently Asked Questions” in English (PDF – 112 KB)
“Questions fréquemment posées (FAQ)” en français (PDF – 68 KB)
“FAQ” auf Deutsch (PDF – 106kB)
Hypothecation, or “dedicated tax”
This paper presents the recommendation of an opt out clause for the conscription tax. Through hypothecation, QCEA suggests that taxation remains the same for all citizens, but those who have opted out give the share that would have gone to the military to peacetime taxations.
“The Peace Tax – Hypothetication” in English (PDF – 78 KB)
“L’Impôt pour la Paix – L’affectation en garantie” en français (PDF – 66 KB)
“Direktabgabe” auf Deutsch (PDF – 41 KB)
Was ist die Direktabgabe?
In diesem Kontext ist mit der Direktabgabe eine direkte Steuer gemeint, die für einen bstimmten Zweck eingezogen wird. Im Zuge der Einführung der Friedenssteuer wäre eine solche Direktabgabe unumgänglich, also müssen wir als Friedenssteuerkampagne zeigen, dass die Friedenssteuer ein durchfühbarer Vorschlag ist; es ist machbar!