It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were 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 in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.

George Washington (1732-1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789-1797)

“Letter to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport,” Rhode Island (17 Aug 1790)

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