Ask Legislators for an Opportunity to Vote
on the Legality of Slavery!
on the Legality of Slavery!
Sign this PETITION to amend the exception clause in Section 25 of the Kentucky constitution
To the Members of the Kentucky General Assembly: We, the undersigned concerned citizens of Kentucky, on behalf of the formerly incarcerated, directly impacted, and currently incarcerated community, ask you to remove the slavery exception clause from Section 25 of the Kentucky Constitution, which represents an historical injustice and crimes against humanity. Your decisive action is needed to ensure that our constitution reflects values that more accurately support a lawfully ordered society. Please support the removal of the slavery and involuntary servitude exception clause from our constitution. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Slavery is legal in Kentucky. Our 1891 constitution, in Section 25, states that "Slavery and involuntary servitude in this state are prohibited, except as punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted."
The 13th Amendment in the Federal constitution has a similar clause. In fact, many states included an exception clause. Kentucky is not alone in this antiquated phrase. We are also not alone in our efforts to update our constitution to language that reflects current values and that is consistent with international calls to eradicate these crimes against humanity.
Abolish Slavery KY is working with the Abolish Slavery National Network to amend Kentucky's constitution. Eight states, including Alabama and Tennessee, have succeeded, and two more states are on the ballot this year. Together, we represent a coalition of more than 20 states working to eliminate slavery and its involuntary servitude twin. If these states can do this, then surely Kentucky can too!
In 2024, our first attempt to pass this legislation, Kentucky had three identical Bills and a total of 12 sponsors. These bills made it to the committee stage, but did not progress from there. We are energized to do better in 2025. Your signing on to this petition will be a tremendous help!
If you are in a leadership position and can speak for your group, please indicate that in the space provided. If you are not, your signature is equally important (just for different reasons)!
The 13th Amendment in the Federal constitution has a similar clause. In fact, many states included an exception clause. Kentucky is not alone in this antiquated phrase. We are also not alone in our efforts to update our constitution to language that reflects current values and that is consistent with international calls to eradicate these crimes against humanity.
Abolish Slavery KY is working with the Abolish Slavery National Network to amend Kentucky's constitution. Eight states, including Alabama and Tennessee, have succeeded, and two more states are on the ballot this year. Together, we represent a coalition of more than 20 states working to eliminate slavery and its involuntary servitude twin. If these states can do this, then surely Kentucky can too!
In 2024, our first attempt to pass this legislation, Kentucky had three identical Bills and a total of 12 sponsors. These bills made it to the committee stage, but did not progress from there. We are energized to do better in 2025. Your signing on to this petition will be a tremendous help!
If you are in a leadership position and can speak for your group, please indicate that in the space provided. If you are not, your signature is equally important (just for different reasons)!