“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
—13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (emphasis added)
The #Fixthe13thNY campaign is working to abolish forced labor and improve wages and working conditions for the incarcerated in New York State, to end exploitation, and value the humanity of all people, including individuals who are incarcerated. To help with this effort, you can call your New York State representatives and urge them to co-sponsor two bills.
Find your Senator’s phone number
“Hello. My name is ________ and I am a constituent of yours calling to ask that you end legal slavery by co-sponsoring the bills S416 and S308 to abolish penal servitude. These bills remove one of the last vestiges of slavery and recognize that incarcerated individuals should not be compelled or coerced to work against their will, and should not be threatened with punishment or harm if they refuse to work.”
Find your Assembly Member’s phone number
“Hello. My name is ________ and I am a constituent of yours calling to ask that you end legal slavery by co-sponsoring the bills A3481 and A3142 to abolish penal servitude. These bills remove one of the last vestiges of slavery and recognize that incarcerated individuals should not be compelled or coerced to work against their will, and should not be threatened with punishment or harm if they refuse to work.”