Article 1 Section 33 of the Tennessee Constitution reads: “That slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, are forever prohibited in this state.” We the undersigned individuals and organizations believe that the time is long overdue for the State of Tennessee, and indeed the United States of America, to permanently abolish all forms of slavery with no exceptions. To that end we call on the Tennessee Legislature, the Governor, and the citizens of Tennessee to amend Section 33 to henceforth read “That slavery and involuntary servitude are forever prohibited in this state.” The only moral response to slavery is abolition, and we refuse to continue to participate in this immoral order which is nothing short of a crime against humanity.
Supporters:
Children’s Defense Fund
Dawn Deaner, elected Public Defender Nashville
Gideon’s Army
Harriet Tubman House
H & S Farm
Human Rights Defense Center
Just City, Memphis
Mercy Junction, Chattanooga
NAACP – Nashville Branch
No Exceptions Prison Collective
Open Table Nashville
Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth & Reconciliation
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)
Add your name or organization in support of the #Amend33 campaign.
