Maryland Toleration Act
Freedom of Religion for Christians!
History of the Act:
The Act was written on April 21, 1649 in St. Mary's City in Maryland. It provided protection for Trinitarian Christians since they were considered a persecuted minority. For example, they weren't allowed to get married by a Catholic priest. Lord Baltimore thought that his New World would serve as a refuge for the Catholics.
Summary of the Act:
Lord Baltimore wrote this Act with the general consent of the General Assembly. In the Act it's stated that if anyone uses any foul language while talking about the Virgin Mary or Jesus then they shall pay a fine of 5 sterlings. If they can't pay the fine then they are sentenced to be whipped and imprisoned. It also states that if people talk with anyone outside of the colony then they would be whipped and imprisoned without bail. Then any public disruptions will cause for a fine on the Sabbath day, if contiued then the ounishment gets more extreme. If anyone not of the Trinitarian religion tries to do harm to them then they are fined, if the person can't pay then they re imprisoned and whipped.
Religious Freedom for Trinitarian Christians!
How the Act ties into Colonial Democracy:
The Toleration Act helped with the significance of freedom of religion. It helped to show how important it can be. This will lead to be the first amendment in the American Bill of Rights.