In brief
We support Prop 6 (2024) because it restores essential moral and practical considerations to criminal justice in California. Not only does penal servitude – slavery – disproportionately impact people of color, but it does not contribute to rehabilitation, lowering recidivism, or improving public safety. Our Racial Justice Task Force recommends support for this ballot item.
This item is on the ballot due to the passage of Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8. When approved in the legislature, the voters must affirm such amendments.
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In this post
What would Prop 6 do?
A YES vote on this measure means that involuntary servitude would not be allowed as punishment for crime. State prisons would not be allowed to discipline people who refuse to work because they want to choose education or other means of rehabilitation. This step will prioritize rehabilitation, lower recidivism, and improve public safety, resulting in taxpayer savings.
As written in the 19th century, the California constitution currently permits involuntary servitude – slavery. Prop 6, the End Slavery in California Act, is a long overdue moral imperative and practical necessity.
Morally, it addresses a profound injustice embedded in the state’s constitution, which permits involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime. This archaic exception allows for modern-day slavery. Due to persistently significant racial disparities in arrest and sentencing, this form of slavery disproportionately impacts Black and brown communities and perpetuates systemic racial and economic inequalities. For this reason, our Racial Justice Task Force recommended that the Multi-Faith ACTION Coalition support Prop 6. These disparities in criminal justice also result in disparities in poverty.
Practically, abolishing this exception supports the rehabilitation and reintegration of incarcerated people by allowing them to choose meaningful educational and rehabilitative programs over forced labor. Ultimately, this will reduce recidivism rates because people have a better chance to integrate into meaningful lives outside incarceration, benefiting society by fostering more equitable communities.
By passing Prop 6, California will right a centuries-old wrong and uphold human rights and dignity by example, ensuring that our legal framework reflects the state’s commitment to justice and equality.
Ending penal servitude: a fairness analysis
Ending penal servitude is a matter of fairness because it addresses the inherent injustice of forced labor imposed on individuals convicted of crimes, often for little to no pay. It promotes equity by challenging the disproportionate impact of penal servitude on marginalized communities, particularly people of color, who are overrepresented in the criminal justice system.
From a policy perspective, ending penal servitude is practical because it:
Reduces exploitation:
- It prevents the abuse of incarcerated individuals for cheap labor.
Incentivizes rehabilitation:
- It allows individuals to earn fair wages and develop skills for successful reintegration into society.
Decreases recidivism:
- Providing fair opportunities reduces the likelihood of individuals returning to crime.
Aligns with societal values:
- It reflects a commitment to human dignity and rehabilitation over punitive measures.
Ending penal servitude is morally right and a pragmatic step toward a more just and equitable society.
Why Faith Communities Might Support Prop 6 – End Penal Servitude
Many faith communities prioritize forms of redemption, rehabilitation (e.g., turning away from sin), and mercy over strict punishment, which serves no greater good. These values speak to the ending of penal servitude – to ending slavery in any form. Here’s why faith communities might support ending penal servitude in California:
Moral and Ethical Concerns:
- Many faiths emphasize compassion, forgiveness, and redemption. Penal servitude, often involving harsh conditions and limited rehabilitation opportunities, conflicts with these values. Faith communities advocate for restorative justice, prioritizing healing and reconciliation over punishment.
Social Justice and Equity:
- Mass incarceration disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly people of color. Faith communities view this as a social justice issue, advocating for fair sentencing, rehabilitation programs, and addressing systemic inequalities contributing to crime.
Human Dignity and Rights:
- Many faiths believe in every individual’s inherent dignity and worth, regardless of their past actions. They argue that prolonged imprisonment, especially under harsh conditions, violates fundamental human rights and undermines the possibility of redemption.
Community Well-being:
- Faith communities recognize that mass incarceration harms not only individuals but also families and communities. They advocate for policies that support reintegration, reduce recidivism, and promote healthy communities.
Biblical and Theological Teachings:
- Many religious texts emphasize mercy, forgiveness, and restoration. Faith communities draw on these teachings to advocate for alternatives to punitive justice that focus on rehabilitation and reconciliation.
In summary, faith communities support ending penal servitude based on moral, ethical, social justice, and theological grounds. They believe in a more just and compassionate approach to justice that prioritizes human dignity, rehabilitation, and community well-being.
General Information on Ballot Items
For more information and recommendations on all of the ballot items, please consider these sources:
- California League of Women Voters – Ballot Recommendations
- California Council of Churches IMPACT – Recommendations
- Friends Committee on Legislation of California – Recommendations
For more information on the ballot items themselves, please consider these sources:
