Urging the Congress of the United States to pass a constitutional amendment that provides that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude may be imposed as a punishment for a crime.
If passed, HR128 would prompt significant changes at both federal and state levels concerning the treatment and rights of incarcerated individuals. The amendment would aim to eliminate practices that push inmates into forced labor and challenge laws that disproportionally affect minority populations. The resolution echoes recent efforts in several states that have successfully removed similar provisions from their constitutions, marking a growing movement toward criminal justice reform and the eradication of legalized forms of slavery.
House Resolution 128 (HR128) urges the Congress of the United States to pass a constitutional amendment that eliminates the exception in the Thirteenth Amendment, which currently allows slavery and involuntary servitude as punishments for crimes. This resolution highlights how the exception has perpetuated legal slavery and systemic racism in the United States by enabling states to exploit incarcerated individuals, particularly African Americans, through practices like convict leasing and enforcing Black Codes against minor offenses. HR128 seeks to close this loophole and end the enduring legacy of slavery rooted in American law.
The sentiment surrounding HR128 is largely supportive among advocates for civil rights and criminal justice reform, who perceive the resolution as a necessary step to rectify historical injustices. Supporters argue that it is time to acknowledge and address the harm caused by the Thirteenth Amendment's exception clause. However, there may be opposition from those who argue that existing laws serve to maintain order and discipline in the penal system, fearing that abolishment would lead to a lack of accountability.
Notable points of contention include the debate over the implications of eliminating involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime. Opponents may argue that such changes could disrupt the penal system and the laws governing inmate labor, raising concerns about potential adverse effects on state-run programs. Advocates, however, counter these points by emphasizing the ethical necessity of eradicating any form of slavery from U.S. law, highlighting the imperative to dismantle systemic racism and uphold human rights for all individuals.