(July 26, 1788), was the 11th State admitted to the Union. The Constitution of the State of New York, adopted 1777, stated:
Article XXXVIII. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever hereafter be allowed, within this State, to all mankind: Provided, that the liberty of conscience, hereby granted, shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness.1959
On March 29, 1799, the State of New York, in the twenty-second session, second meeting of the legislature, passed an Act which abolished slavery within the State.1960 The Constitution of the State of New York, adopted 1777 and 1821, stated:
And Whereas we are required, by the benevolent principles of rational liberty, not only to expel civil tyranny, but also to guard against that spiritual oppression and intolerance wherewith the bigotry and ambition of weak and wicked priests and princes have scourged mankind:
This Convention doth further, in the name and by the authority of the good people of this State, ordain, determine, and declare that the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever hereafter be allowed within this State to all mankind:
Provided, That the liberty of conscience hereby granted shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of this State.
And Whereas the ministers of the gospel are, by their profession, dedicated to the service of God and the cure of souls … ought not to be diverted from the great duties of their function.1961
Blasphemy is a crime at common law and is not abrogated by the constitution.1962
The Constitution of the State of New York, adopted 1846, stated:
Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings, do establish this Constitution.1963