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Dec. 6., 1809: Jacob Henry Gives Speech On Religious Liberty
WFMY 3:40 PM. EST
December 06, 2016
On December 6, 1809, Jacob Henry, North Carolina’s first Jewish legislator, delivered a rousing speech about religious liberty to the General Assembly.
Henry represented Carteret County in 1808 and 1809, a time when people were bound constitutionally to affirm the “truth of the Protestant religion” before holding any public office. He served his first term without incident, but, in 1809, a newly-elected representative took issue with Henry’s religious affiliation and introduced a resolution to remove him from office.
The legislators decided to take up the resolution the next day, giving Henry time to prepare his defense. Without specifically mentioning Judaism, he addressed “natural and inalienable rights” and equalized religious sects with phrases such as “the ruler of the universe.”
Ultimately Henry was allowed to retain his seat. His inspiring and eloquent speech to the 1809 General Assembly has been published and quoted frequently ever since. It is considered a touchstone of religious rights and tolerance.
http://www.wfmynews2.com/news/local/dec-6-1809-jacob-henry-gives-speech-on-religious-liberty/364233462
http://americanjewisharchives.org/publications/journal/PDF/1970_22_02_00_rosenwaike.pdf
