Penal Laws

Penal Laws were a series of laws enacted from the 17th to 19th centuries in Ireland that restricted the rights of Catholics and certain non-Anglican Protestants. They aimed to maintain Protestant dominance and control over land and political power by imposing restrictions on religious practice, education, voting, and holding public office. These laws often included penalties such as fines, disqualification from careers, or exclusion from society for those who did not conform to the Anglican Church. Over time, many of these laws were gradually repealed, paving the way for religious equality.