Lansing, Mich. — A resolution introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives on Tuesday seeks to amend the state’s Constitution by removing a clause that currently allows slavery as punishment for a crime.
Under the existing language of Article I, Section 9 of the Michigan Constitution, slavery is prohibited in the state, but an exception is made for individuals convicted of a crime. The proposed amendment would eliminate this exception, creating a complete and unconditional ban on slavery and involuntary servitude within Michigan.
The move comes as part of a broader national trend to address the penal exception clauses present in state constitutions. In recent years, other states, including Alabama, Colorado, and Nebraska, have voted to amend their constitutions and remove similar clauses, making their slavery bans more comprehensive.
At the federal level, the Thirteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution also contains a penal exception clause, which permits slavery as a form of criminal punishment. Despite this, advocates for reform have focused on state-level changes, arguing that removing the exception from state constitutions is a significant step toward ensuring that slavery and forced labor are completely abolished across the country.
The resolution introduced in Michigan has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations for further review. If the amendment passes through the legislative process, it will be placed on the ballot in the next general election, allowing voters to decide on the proposed change.
Supporters of the amendment argue that removing the penal exception would bring Michigan’s laws into alignment with the modern understanding of human rights and civil liberties. They assert that the state should take a clear stance against all forms of slavery, ensuring that no person in Michigan can be subjected to forced labor, even as a criminal punishment.
As the resolution moves forward, the state’s lawmakers will continue to review its potential impact and engage in discussions about the implications of removing this exception. If passed by voters, Michigan could become one of the many states to fully abolish any legal allowance for slavery within their constitutions, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for human rights.
