| Date | June 12, 1776 |
|---|---|
| Law/Legislation | Law |
| Jurisdiction | VA |
| Title | Virginia Declaration of Rights |
| Description/Full Text | A declaration of Rights unanimously adopted by the Virginia Assembly at Williamsburg, June 12, declares in its first paragraph all men are by nature free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring property, and obtaining happiness and saftey. In the last paragraph it is stated all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion according to the dictates of conscience, and it is the mutual duty of all to practice Chrisitan forbearance, love and charity towards each other. |
| Additional Information | – |
| Source | Black Laws of Virginia, By: June Purcell Guild |
| Transcriber Notes | – |
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[Author (if known)], Laws and Legislation Related to Slavery and Free Blacks in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia (1642-1860), [Date (if known)], Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva’s Black History, Nabb Research Center, Salisbury University.
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