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Utah GOP urges support to remove 'slavery' from state constitution

Slavery is still in Utah's constitution and Black community leaders say you should vote to get rid of it
Utah Constitution
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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Republican Party is urging voters to approve an amendment that removes "slavery" from the state constitution.

In a statement Wednesday, Utah's dominant political party urged passage of Amendment C, noting that it was passed by the legislature unanimously in a bipartisan fashion. The amendment's sponsors are Rep. Sandra Hollins, D-Salt Lake City, and Sen. Jake Anderegg, R-Lehi.

"It is always refreshing when Utahns from both major political parties can work together on an issue, creating a result that has not only bi-partisan support, but unanimous support. The Utah Republican Party joins our Utah Legislature in calling on voters throughout the state of Utah to support the passage of Amendment C in this November’s general election," said Utah GOP Chairman Derek Brown in the statement.

Amendment C will read on the ballot:

Shall the Utah Constitution be amended to make the following changes to the Utah Constitution’s ban on slavery and involuntary servitude: • remove the language that allows slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime; and • clarify that the ban does not affect the otherwise lawful administration of the criminal justice system?

Black community leaders are launching a campaign to get voters to approve Amendment C, arguing that it is past time to remove "slavery" and keeping it in the state's founding documents does not reflect Utah values.