Vermont Constitution Article 3. [Freedom in religion; right and duty of religious worship]
Here is the text of Article 3 of the Vermont Constitution:
Vermont Constitution – Chapter I, Article 3
[Freedom in religion; right and duty of religious worship]
That all men have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God, according to the dictates of their own consciences and understandings, as in their opinion shall be regulated by the word of God; and that no person ought to, or of right can be compelled to attend any religious worship, or erect or support any place of worship, or maintain any minister, contrary to the dictates of conscience;
nor can any person be justly deprived of any civil right as a citizen, on account of his religious sentiments or peculiar mode of religious worship;
and that no authority can or ought to be vested in, or assumed by, any power whatever, that shall in any case interfere with, or in any manner control, the rights of conscience in the free exercise of religious worship.
Explanation:
This article firmly protects religious freedom in Vermont by asserting:
Right to Worship Freely: Everyone has a natural and absolute right to worship God in their own way, guided by conscience.
Freedom from Compulsion: No one can be forced to attend or support religious institutions or ministers against their will.
No Discrimination: Religious beliefs or practices cannot be used to deny anyone their civil rights.
Government Limits: The government is strictly prohibited from interfering with personal religious worship or the rights of conscience.
This article reflects a strong commitment to religious liberty and separation of church and state, in line with early American constitutional principles.
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