In 1649, which colony passed a law granting religious freedom to Christians?

In 1649, which colony passed a law granting religious freedom to Christians?

• A. Massachusetts
• B. New York
• C. Virginia
• D. Maryland

Answer: (D)

Religious tolerance in early colonial law is being tested here. In 1649 Maryland enacted the Act Concerning Religion, commonly called the Maryland Toleration Act. This law granted free exercise of worship to Christians in the colony and protected them from government interference over their beliefs, as long as they practiced Christian worship. It was designed to keep peace between Catholic and Protestant settlers in Maryland and is often cited as the first legal step toward religious liberty in English North America, though it did not extend to non-Christians. That’s why Maryland is the correct choice—the other colonies in the options did not pass a law granting broad Christian religious freedom at that time; Massachusetts had an established Puritan church, Virginia had an Anglican establishment, and New York did not adopt a comparable measure in 1649.

Religious tolerance in early colonial law is being tested here. In 1649 Maryland enacted the Act Concerning Religion, commonly called the Maryland Toleration Act. This law granted free exercise of worship to Christians in the colony and protected them from government interference over their beliefs, as long as they practiced Christian worship. It was designed to keep peace between Catholic and Protestant settlers in Maryland and is often cited as the first legal step toward religious liberty in English North America, though it did not extend to non-Christians. That’s why Maryland is the correct choice—the other colonies in the options did not pass a law granting broad Christian religious freedom at that time; Massachusetts had an established Puritan church, Virginia had an Anglican establishment, and New York did not adopt a comparable measure in 1649.