It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction - to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens. George Washington
About This Quote

When Thomas Jefferson wrote this quote, he was speaking about religious freedom. In the United States, religious tolerance is a constitutionally guaranteed right. Jefferson believed that this "toleration" as it was then called was not something that one should begrudge to others. In fact, he believed that those who live under the protection of the Constitution should feel free to practice whatever religion they wish, as long as they do not interfere with anyone else's rights.

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