Does anyone know if Virginia had any religious tests for office holding either before or after the Revolution.  The 1776 Constitution says little about Religious, but in fact the state maintained an established church until after the Revolution.  Similarly, while the 1776 constitution proclaims the right "to the free exercise of religion" (Va. Dec. of Rights, Sec. 16) but we know Baptists were viciously persecuted in the 1770s and 1780s.  

So, were there statutes (rather a constitutional provision) limiting office holding?

----

Paul Finkelman

President William McKinley Distinguished Professor of Law

Albany Law School

80 New Scotland Avenue

Albany, NY  12208



518-445-3386 (p)

518-445-3363 (f)



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www.paulfinkelman.com


      

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