That is correct, always.
The state, however, often imposed harsh punishments for heresy, which it equated to treason. Plus, torture was considered a valid method of interrogation.
"The state" did not conduct the many and varied Inquisitions, such as the Roman Inquisition and the Medieval Inquisition.
The papacy in Rome did.
Even the Spanish Inquisition, while supposedly under control of the Roman Catholic monarchs, was instituted to maintain Roman Catholic control of those conquered.
And you say you want to introduce America to these Inquisitions.
No wonder the RCC is fading in this country.