Today in History, April 21, 1649:
The Maryland assembly passes the Maryland Toleration Act, which set a standard for religious freedom regarding Trinitarian Christians.
Maryland had been established as a haven for English Catholics in a majority Anglican world.
The law would be repealed and reinstated as the colony went from Catholic to Protestant control. This law establishing some rights to religion is considered the inspiration for the First Amendment.
It wasn’t entirely tolerant, however. If someone voiced that they did not believe in the divinity of Jesus, they could be put to death.
Mark Loves History! 