Freedom of conscience

{{Short description|Freedom to act upon one's beliefs}}

Freedom of conscience is the freedom of an individual to act upon their moral beliefs.{{cite web |title="Freedom of Conscience", Oxford English Dictionary |url=https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=freedom+of+conscience |website=OED.com |publisher=Oxford University Press}} In particular, it often refers to the freedom to not do something one is normally obliged, ordered or expected to do. An individual exercising this freedom may be called a conscientious objector.{{efn|The term "conscientious objector" often implies an objection to military service in particular.}}

The right to freedom of conscience is recognized by several international conventions, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.{{cite web |title=Freedom of Conscience Around the World |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2019/642277/EPRS_BRI(2019)642277_EN.pdf |publisher=European Parliament}} It is distinct from but closely related to freedom of thought, freedom of expression and freedom of religion.