One of a number of measures on ballots around the country removing slavery language from state constitutions is in Oregon. On Measure 112 voters will decide if they want to remove the state constitution’s language addressing slavery in prisons.
A Secretary of State’s analysis of the measure states: “The measure does not require additional state government revenues or expenditures; however the impact of the measure will depend on potential legal action or changes to inmate work programs.” Many measures are sued by groups and individuals that may be against the measure or the language of the measure.
The measure is known as the Remove Slavery as Punishment for Crime from Constitution Amendment. Oregon Measure 112 would remove the exception in the Constitution that allows for slavery as “a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.”
The following language would replace the old language if passed: “Upon conviction of a crime, an Oregon court or a probation or parole agency may order the convicted person to engage in education, counseling, treatment, community service or other alternatives to incarceration, as part of sentencing for the crime, in accordance with programs that have been in place historically or that may be developed in the future, to provide accountability, reformation, protection of society or rehabilitation.”
Oregonians Against Slavery & Involuntary Servitude is leading the campaign in support of the measure. Supporters argue that the slavery exception has heavily affected marginalized communities. The measure has attracted about $75,000 in support contributions and $0 in opposition contributions, according to Ballotpedia.
The Oregon Department of Corrections spoke out against the measure stating that it misleads the public about what goes on inside the state’s prisons although, not much separates prison life from indentured servitude. The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution has pro-slave language in it as it relates to prison.
