California Voters Reject Proposition to Ban Prison Labor

California voters have rejected Proposition 6, a measure aimed at amending the state Constitution to eliminate forced labor as punishment within prisons and jails. Currently, the Constitution permits involuntary servitude for those incarcerated, leading to concerns from criminal justice advocates about exploitative labor practices, where individuals earn less than $1 an hour for various tasks. The initiative was part of a broader reparations effort to address historical racism and discrimination against Black Californians. Supporters, including Democratic leaders and advocacy groups, viewed the measure as a step towards upholding human rights. Despite the setback, advocates remain committed to continuing the fight for constitutional reform to reflect values of equality and freedom. Other states, such as Alabama and Vermont, have successfully passed similar amendments to abolish these provisions.