Opposition Senate Leader Michael Dunkley has put forward a motion in the Senate which could see the role of the Regiment reviewed.

It comes after the failure of Bermudians Against the Draft's (BAD) legal bid to get conscription outlawed.

The motion, 'The Senate take note of the need to review the role of the Regiment and the conscription of males', was tabled in the Upper House on Wednesday.

Sen. Dunkley said now is the time to have the discussion.

"I put the motion down because I think the climate is right based on the BAD people and their concerns in regards to conscription," he said. "The UBP, we had something similar to this in our platform in 2007.

"What I find interesting is that many politicians off-the-record will tell you it's something they would like to look at, even the Premier, but nobody wants to do anything about it.

"I think it's an important subject that we need to discuss. I think the Regiment can play a vital role but it's time to review what they can offer. Conscription served its role but we need to take an open and honest look at it."

Sen. Dunkley said he had waited to see what the Government was going to do with its national service plan but claimed that was "stagnant".

He added everyone should do some form of service but said he was looking forward to the debate.

Speaking on behalf of Bermudians Against the Draft, Larry Marshall Sr. said he was "encouraged" by Sen. Dunkley's motion.

"Sweden abolished conscription yesterday. That's 100 years of history. We're very encouraged that Sen. Dunkley has had the courage and conviction to bring this issue to the Senate and I think that the Bermudian public are clamouring for the abolition of conscription for a number of reasons but primarily because it violates the most basic human right and that is the right of freedom."

He continued: "To think that in 2010, we still have forced labour is reprehensible. For the past four years Sen. Dunkley and I have had many conversations on the issue and I think that he is persuaded it needs to be abolished.

"For him to actually take it to the Senate, we on behalf of the BAD, we are very encouraged by this motion and I think to the very fact that it get tabled in the Senate rather than the House signals that the Senate are leading from the front as opposed to being a rubber stamp committee. We're very encouraged."

Regiment spokesman Major George Jones said on the motion: "The Regiment has always stated that the future of the Regiment is a matter to be determined and decided by Government in conjunction with Government House. As such it is inappropriate for us to comment on the current motion proposed by Sen. Dunkley."