JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Signed May 14, 1987.

No. 7

(House Joint Resolution No. 6)

A House Joint Resolution concerning

Thomas Kennedy Commemoration - Artistic Competition

FOR the purpose of requesting a statewide artistic competition to
create an appropriate commemoration for Thomas Kennedy, who
in the early 19th century fought for eight years in the
General Assembly to win religious freedom for Jews in
Maryland, who were barred from holding public office in the
State.

WHEREAS, Until 1826 the Constitution of Maryland required
citizens of Jewish origin to subscribe to a Christian oath in
order to hold public office in this State; and

WHEREAS, This injustice and infringement upon religious
liberty was ended by an Act of the General Assembly passed
January 26, 1826; and

WHEREAS, That Act was championed by Thomas Kennedy, of
Washington County (1776-1832), who served in the House of
Delegates and the Senate of Maryland; and

WHEREAS, In 1818, as a first term delegate, Thomas Kennedy
presented a resolution calling for the appointment of a committee
to consider "placing the Jewish inhabitants on an equal footing
with the Christians", and argued forcefully and eloquently for
the principle of religious freedom; and

WHEREAS, Delegate Kennedy was a Scottish-born Presbyterian
who never met a Jew in his life, but took up their cause out of a
passion for liberty and justice exemplified in his political
career; and

WHEREAS, Delegate Kennedy continued to advocate the
abolition of the oath after his legislation was twice defeated in
the General Assembly, to the point where his bill, called the
"Jew bill" by his opponents, became the' focal point of his
reelection in 1823; and subjected him to personal attacks by his
opponents, who called him "an enemy of Christianity" and "a Judas
Iscariot", which led to his defeat; and

WHEREAS, Delegate Kennedy did not relent, but continued his
battle, and was returned to the House of Delegates in 1925 1825

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