Maryland Toleration Act - Definition

The Maryland Toleration Act was a law passed in 1649 by the colonial assembly of the Province of Maryland mandating religious toleration of all Christian denominations. As the first such law, it is often seen as a precursor to the First Amendment.

In 1649, Maryland was the most religiously diverse of the English colonies, having been founded as a Catholic haven, and then populated by a large number of Protestants. While the Act did prevent outright persecution for a long time, it failed to prevent a political struggle over the control of the colonial assembly.

Related topics

• History of the United States
• Tolerance

External link

Partial image of a broadside regarding the Maryland Toleration Act (http://teachpol.tcnj.edu/amer_pol_hist/fi/00000008.htm)