Legal Emancipation of the Jews (July 3, 1869) This facsimile shows the Law on Freedom of Religion [Gesetz, betreffend die Gleichberechtigung der Konfessionen in bürgerlicher und staatsbürgerlicher Beziehung], which consisted of a single paragraph that came into effect on July 3, 1869. Without specifically mentioning Protestants or Catholics, Christians or non-Christians, it ensured the formal, legal emancipation of the Jews in all territories of the North German Confederation.