Founding Fathers Wanted Civil Rights For All Protected From Religious Persecution
Here’s what we know so far:
1. Indiana has passed an anti-LGBT religious freedom bill in their own form of a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
“In regard to religion, mutual toleration in the different professions thereof is what all good and candid minds in all ages have ever practiced, and both by precept and example inculcated on mankind.” Samuel Adams, The Rights of the Colonists (1771)“We have abundant reason to rejoice that in this Land the light of truth and reason has triumphed over the power of bigotry and superstition… In this enlightened Age and in this Land of equal liberty it is our boast, that a man’s religious tenets will not forfeit the protection of the Laws, nor deprive him of the right of attaining and holding the highest Offices that are known in the United States.” George Washington, letter to the members of the New Church in Baltimore, January 27, 1793“We should begin by setting conscience free. When all men of all religions shall enjoy equal liberty, property, and an equal chance for honors and power we may expect that improvements will be made in the human character and the state of society.” John Adams, letter to Dr. Price, April 8, 1785“I am for freedom of religion and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendancy of one sect over another.” Thomas Jefferson, letter to Elbridge Gerry, January 26, 1799
It seems our Founding Fathers had a broad consensus view on how religion was to play a role in our society. Perhaps the right wingers should abandon this façade they put up in trying to act like them. For when they do so, they ignore history. But is anyone really surprised by that?
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