Yes on Proposition 6
End slavery
What is it?
Proposition 6 is an amendment to the California constitution that would prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude in any form.
This will likely come as a surprise to most voters, but the California constitution allows prisons to force prisoners to work without pay. That technically fits the definition of slavery. This amendment would end this practice.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation would be prohibited from disciplining any prisoner for turning down a work assignment. Instead, prisons would be allowed to award credits to prisoners who accept a work assignment.
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Why vote Yes?
California is one of just 16 states that allows involuntary labor (AKA slavery) as a punishment for crime. It's time to end this outdated and inhumane practice.
Our prisons should be focused on rehabilitation, and a good rehabilitation program includes work. Prisoners ought to pay society back through honest work, and that means it should be voluntary, not forced. Prisons will be able to incentivize work assignments with credits, but cannot punishing those who refuse to work. It's not just more humane, it's also more effective at rehabilitation.
Vote YES on Prop 6 to support basic human rights, eliminate outdated and inhumane practices, and ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity, even within the prison system.