It’s 2021, but slavery is still legal in California.

Article 1, Section 6 of the California Constitution allows involuntary servitude “as a punishment for crime where of the party shall have been duly convicted.” In practice, involuntary servitude means incarcerated Californians are being forced to work against their will from fighting deadly wildfires to manufacturing license plates. If incarcerated people refuse to work, the state can and does punish them, including extending the time they must serve. In short, involuntary servitude is slavery by another name.

It’s past time for California to end this practice and live up to its values and this petition makes sure that our state legislators represent our voices.