To their relief, the new law passed yesterday has laid a legal framework for the implementation of alternative service, scheduled to be implemented in July this year. The interior ministry, in charge of its implementation, is to allow 10,000 male citizens this year to serve terms either in the police, social work, firefighting, or environmental protection. Any male citizens interested in serving the alternative term can file applications to the ministry and lot-drawings will be used where the total number of applications is more than the fixed quota. Those who have been assessed as not being able to serve in the army for religious beliefs will be given priority. There were also amendments to the existing military service law, which cut the term of army service by two months.
Alternative service is longer than military service by a range of between four and six months.
Alternative service on religious grounds is longer again at around two years and nine months. Twenty-eight Jehovah's Witnesses are either currently in prison or on trial for refusing to serve. The law grants immediate release to those Jehovah's Witnesses who have served more than three years in prison. Those who have served less than three years can choose to finish their three years jail term, or do alternative service when it is launched in July. The Legislative Yuan has directed a task force to look into the needs of the country's military service efforts.