The Comment addresses the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as guaranteed by Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This right is protected equally without any priorities. Notably, the Comment construes "religion" and "belief" broadly, as Article 18 applies to theistic, non-atheistic, and atheistic beliefs. An individual must be able to replace military service with alternative service if the former is inconsistent with his or her religion or beliefs. The Comment also clarifies certain limitations on the freedom of religion as they are delineated in Article 18, allowing legal restrictions on religion for the protection of safety, order, or others' rights. The Comment takes care to emphasize the narrow scope of these limitations.