| MARYLAND
CONSTITUTION Acknowledgment of God
Preamble. We, the People of the State of Maryland, grateful
to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty, and taking into our serious
consideration the best means of establishing a good Constitution in this State
for the sure foundation and more permanent security thereof, declare: [Declaration
of Rights].
Religion Clauses Article
36. That as it is the duty of every man to worship God in such
manner as he thinks most acceptable to Him, all persons are equally entitled to
protection in their religious liberty; wherefore, no person ought by any law to
be molested in his person or estate, on account of his religious persuasion, or
profession, or for his religious practice, unless, under the color of religion,
he shall disturb the good order, peace or safety of the State, or shall infringe
the laws of morality, or injure others in their natural, civil or religious rights;
nor ought any person to be compelled to frequent, or maintain, or contribute,
unless on contract, to maintain, any place of worship, or any ministry; nor shall
any person, otherwise competent, be deemed incompetent as a witness, or juror,
on account of his religious belief; provided, he believes in the existence of
God, and that under His dispensation such person will be held morally accountable
for his acts, and be rewarded or punished therefor either in this world or in
the world to come. Nothing shall prohibit or require the making reference
to belief in, reliance upon, or invoking the aid of God or a Supreme Being in
any governmental or public document, proceeding, activity, ceremony, school, institution,
or place.
Article 37. That no religious
test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or
trust in this State, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God;
nor shall the Legislature prescribe any other oath of office than the oath prescribed
by this Constitution.
Article 39. That
the manner of administering an oath or affirmation to any person, ought to be
such as those of the religious persuasion, profession, or denomination, of which
he is a member, generally esteem the most effectual confirmation by the attestation
of the Divine Being.
Education None. Finance/Property
Tax None. |
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Copyright
© 2002-2008 by Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLP. All rights reserved.
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