Natural law and constitutions

Natural law and constitutions

Natural law is expressly written into several of the constitutions of the original 13 States:

Del. Declaration of Rights §§ 2-3 (1776) ("That all men have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences and understandings ... That all persons professing the Christian religion ought forever to enjoy equal rights and privileges in this state, unless, under colour of religion, any man disturb the peace, the happiness or safety of society.")
Md. Const. Decl. of Rts. art. 33 (1776) ("wherefore no person ought by any law to be molested in his person or estate on account of his religious persuasion or profession, or for his religious practice, unless under colour of religion any man shall disturb the good order, peace or safety of the state, or shall infringe the laws of morality, or injure others, in their natural, civil or religious rights")
N.H. Const. Pt. 1, art. 5 (1783) ("Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, and reason; and no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained in his person, liberty or estate for worshipping God in the manner and season most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession, sentiments, or persuasion; provided he doth not disturb the public peace, or disturb others in their religious worship.")

See also