Rice Issues Statement on Passage of Resolution Calling on Congress to Ban Slavery

Trenton – Senator Ronald Rice issued the following statement after the passage of SR-17, which urges Congress to propose a Constitutional Amendment to prohibit slavery or indentured servitude for individuals convicted of crime:

“I am glad the Senate passed this resolution because we need to start educating the people in New Jersey that slavery still exists in this country. Slavery is still legal under the Constitution, despite the 13^th Amendment. I hope that both parties running for President this year understand the importance of this issue, and use their platforms to educate the public.

“I implore the Congressional Black Caucus to take this issue seriously and to take the lead in pursuing the creation of a new constitutional amendment that completely bans slavery of all kinds in this country. An amendment of this kind would help all races as all races are hurt by our unfair justice system.

“The Legislative Black Caucus will continue to work to make sure this Amendment becomes a reality.”