During World War 1 the Military Service Act 1916 introduced conscription in Britain. Conscription required unmarried men of working age to join the armed forces. The Act included a 'conscience clause', providing exemption for those with a conscientious objection to combatant service. Quakers believe there is 'that of God in everyone' and therefore it is wrong to take a life. This led them to campaign against conscription. When it became clear that conscription would be introduced, Quakers were amongst those to lobby the government to include a 'conscience clause'. Conscientious objectors (COs) had different reasons for objecting to military service. These included religious belief, political ideology, and moral or humanist principles. Local tribunals assessed those claiming an exemption. At the tribunals COs were questioned on the sincerity of their beliefs. Tribunals had the power to grant absolute or conditional exemption, but COs were frequently rejected. COs who were denied exemption were considered soldiers absent without leave and expected to report for duty. Those continuing to refuse military orders were often sent to prison.