California measure would ban forced labor in prisons

In California, involuntary servitude is only legal as punishment for crime
Proposition 6 aims to completely prohibit slavery, involuntary servitude
Assemblymember: 'Slavery is wrong in all forms'

Updated: Jul 17, 2024 / 12:07 PM CDT

Prisoner working while law enforcement officer keeps watch. (Credit: Getty)

(NewsNation) — This November, Californians will vote on a measure that seeks to completely ban slavery in the Golden State.

While the California Constitution currently prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, the state still allows the act in prisons as a punishment for crimes, according to the proposed measure, Proposition 6.

However, state lawmakers are looking to ban it completely, prohibiting correctional departments from using it as a punishment for criminals in prison.

Assemblymember Lori Wilson, D-Suisun City, introduced the measure, saying involuntary servitude was “an extension of slavery.”

“Slavery is wrong in all forms and California should be clear in denouncing that in the constitution,” Wilson told The Orange County Register.

Now, the measure lies in the hands of voters. If the voters approve Proposition 6, involuntary servitude will be banned and any work used to punish criminals will be discontinued, the report said.