TITLE: Declaration of Rights - Religious Freedom, Religious Tests, and Oath and Affirmations

BILL SUMMARY:

The Maryland legislators seek to remove references to God and removes protections for religious freedom. This Bill removes portions of articles 36, 37, and 39 from our Maryland Bill of Rights and removing all references to God in the Maryland Constitution.

LAST ACTION:

Hearing in the House Committee on Health and Government Operations on HB 871. (Not passed)

BILL ANALYSIS:

The bill’s sponsors seek to remove any reference to God or a belief in God from the Declaration of Rights of the Maryland Constitution. Not only would the bill remove any reference to a belief in God, but it would remove a very explicit protection against the establishment of a specific religion as follows:

“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.”

To change the Declaration of Rights to remove all references to God, a higher power than human beings, promotes an egocentric society and is harmful to the harmony and peace of the people of our State.

COST ESTIMATE: The Bill’s Fiscal Note indicates there is no financial cost impact.

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0871

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0932?ys=2023RS