What argument did William I make about rulers controlling their subjects’ consciences?

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Portrait of William I, Prince of Orange, by Adriaen Thomasz Key. He wears a dark embroidered coat, a white ruff collar, and a black cap, with a trimmed beard and mustache. — William I Portrait of William I, oil on panel by Adriaen Thomaszoon Key, c. 1579; in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

In a speech delivered to the Council of State, William I, Prince of Orange, argued that it was not feasible to enforce religious unity and that it was not right for princes to presume to rule over the consciences of their subjects.1

This perspective reflected his belief in the importance of religious tolerance, a view influenced by the humanist Desiderius Erasmus. Despite his efforts to advocate for this principle, he faced significant opposition from King Philip II, who remained determined to enforce strict Catholic orthodoxy and suppress religious deviation.1