California voters shoot down proposed ban on forced prison labor
California voters recently rejected Proposition 6, a ballot initiative that aimed to ban the use of forced labor as a punishment for crime in the state. The measure, if passed, would have amended the state’s constitution to prohibit forced labor in all circumstances, eliminating the current exception for forced labor bans in the case of punishment for crimes.
The push for Proposition 6 was part of a larger movement among far-left Democrats in California who are advocating for the state to address past racism against Black residents. This effort follows previous unsuccessful attempts to pass reparations bills in September, highlighting the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the state.
Representative Maxine Waters, a Democrat from California who supported Proposition 6, did not comment on the outcome of the ballot initiative. Democratic assembly member Lori Wilson, who played a role in promoting the measure, expressed disappointment in a statement but emphasized the continued fight for equality and freedom in the state.
The defeat of Proposition 6 comes on the heels of the failure of reparations-related bills in the California legislature earlier in the year. Authored by Democrat state Sen. Steven Bradford, these bills aimed to create a state fund for reparations and establish an agency to oversee the efforts and determine eligibility. However, concerns about Governor Gavin Newsom potentially vetoing the legislation led to their stagnation in the legislature.
Despite these setbacks, advocates for racial justice in California remain committed to pushing forward with their efforts. The fight for equality and reparations for Black Americans continues to be a central issue for many lawmakers and activists in the state.
Anders Hagstrom, a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events, contributed to this article. For more information and updates on this ongoing story, follow @Hagstrom_Anders on Twitter.
