An anti-conscription campaigner launched a broadside at the Deputy Governor yesterday over what he perceives to be comments backing mandatory military service.

The Royal Gazette reported last week how three Bermuda residents wrote to a Foreign Affairs Committee inquiry into the overseas territories to complain about conscription policy. The letters alleged the policy breaches human rights, and that conscripts are ill-treated at Warwick Camp.

Responding to the news, Deputy Governor Mark Capes said any change to the status quo would require an amendment to the Defence Act by the Government.

He also told The Royal Gazette: "The Bermuda Regiment has a proud history and has made a positive and valuable contribution to Bermuda. It has also provided unique opportunities for self-improvement and advancement to young Bermudians, many of whom went on to achieve senior positions in public life and in the private sector."

His remarks angered Larry Marshall Sr. of Bermudians Against the Draft, who interpreted them as pro-conscription in tone. He said last night: "I find it rather bemusing that an individual from Britain would support an institution which was abolished in his very own country over 40 years ago. Is he really of the opinion that freedom is somehow less important in this overseas territory than in the mother country itself?

"If so, then that is totally inconsistent with what the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has promised its territories with regards to basic human rights, and after all, that is what this struggle is about – the right to freedom.

"The fact that the Deputy Governor could highlight what he perceives to be positive contributions without even including the negative – which far outweigh the positive – speaks volumes. It is evident that he's only listened to one side of the story, and as a consequence has formed a totally distorted perception of conscription in Bermuda.

"I would suggest he familiarise himself with our Constitution which actually allows forced labour under certain circumstances, one of which is conscription. That this law could exist in a supposed democracy in 2008 is reprehensible and anyone supporting it – including the Deputy Governor – has absolutely no respect for freedom."

Next month, 14 members of Bermudians Against the Draft will ask Chief Justice Richard Ground to consider their arguments against conscription, which they hope will result in it being outlawed.

Their case names the Governor, Deputy Governor and Attorney General as respondents. In legal papers, BAD claims that the ballot which picks conscripts is gender-biased and a breach of human rights because only men are picked, not women. The group also claims that the Governor has not made reasonable efforts to recruit sufficient volunteers to the Regiment – in violation of the Defence Act – before filling its ranks with conscripts.

Mr. Marshall said: "This is something young men in this country are prepared to fight for, since they have a greater appreciation for this fundamental human right. They will not be brainwashed any longer by Mr. Capes or anyone else for that matter. Simply put, they are sick and tired of being cursed, ridiculed and treated like 21st century slaves. Conscription is wrong. Period. If one needs evidence, they need only speak to those who've suffered at Warwick Camp for the past 43 years."

Bermudian males aged 18 to 33 are liable for call-up to the Regiment through a random ballot administered by the Defence Department. Regiment Commanding Officer Lt. Col. William White has previously said the Regiment cannot fulfill its current roles – which include hurricane relief and maintaining public safety – through a volunteer cadre. Former Governor Sir John Vereker and Minister of Public Safety David Burch have said conscription has the support of the Bermudian public.