The anti-conscription group Bermudians Against the Draft (B.A.D.), who have strongly criticised Government leaders, are now striking at the Opposition.

B.A.D. says the Opposition's Leader in the Senate, Kim Swan, owes black men and their parents an apology.

The group's spokesperson Larry Marshall, Sr. learned of the Senator's comments in The Royal Gazette's Budget debate coverage last Thursday.

Senator Swan was summarised as saying the Regiment was especially valuable to young black males.

Mr. Marshall believes the Senator's remarks were insensitive.

He said: "That is the most racist statement and is an insult to every young black male on this Island.

"The unmitigated gall of this man, who at the outset of his speech, admitted never entering the Regiment himself, to suggest that this most oppressive, autocratic, corrupt institution would be especially valuable to young black males graphically illustrates that he has an extremely low perception of young black males in this country. It is obvious that Sen. Swan still suffers from mental slavery."

On Wednesday in the Senate, Sen. Swan was offering the Opposition's response to the Department of Defence Budget.

The Senator said he "never had the privilege of serving in the Regiment", but his father did, and as a result, he "supported" the policy of conscription.

He went on to make the statement about black males and also recommended that the Regiment get its message of service out to a younger audience of seven- and eight-year-olds.

Mr. Marshall further explained why he thought the Senator's comments were insensitive.

He said: "No white person in Bermuda, even the staunchest supporter of conscription, would ever make that statement about young white males. Senator Swan owes an apology to every young black male in Bermuda as well as their parents."

Efforts to reach Sen. Swan last night were unsuccessful.

B.A.D. has loudly opposed any elected or appointed official who has voiced support for conscription.

Mr. Marshall believes Sen. Swan is the first voice from the United Bermuda Party to state a conscription stance publicly.

A collection of 14 young men, known as B.A.D., is suing the Governor, Deputy Governor and Attorney General, alleging that conscription is in violation of the Human Rights Act because it's gender biased.

Most Government leaders, including the Governor, have said the public does not support an end to conscription as the members of B.A.D. have proclaimed.