NEW YORK (VINnews) — The Agudath Israel of America issued the following statement in which it expressed concern about a new provision in the proposed National Defense Authorization Act requiring all Americans including women to register in the Selective Service System which could then be used if the draft is reinstated:

“Agudath Israel of America is a national Orthodox Jewish organization. We offer this statement to express concern regarding the provision within the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, which will require all Americans, including women, to register with the Selective Service System. The registration framework will be utilized in the event that the draft is reinstated and there is need to mobilize the armed forces for military conflict or national emergency.

“Over the years, many concerns have been raised in regard to manpower, management and morale of the military in the event that women would be required to serve alongside men in service to their country. Those concerns are real. However, the concern we wish to highlight in this statement relates to how the draft registration requirement will infringe upon the religious liberty of women who have religious objection to such military service.