Editing Freedom of conscience (section)

{{Short description|Freedom to act upon one's beliefs}}
'''Freedom of conscience''' is the freedom of an individual to act upon their moral beliefs.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> It is distinct from but closely related to [[freedom of thought]], [[freedom of expression]] and [[freedom of religion]].