Kentucky lawmakers looking to change state constitution, amending section that allows exception for slavery

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky lawmakers are looking to change to the state's constitution, amending a section that allows an exception for slavery.

Section 25 of the Kentucky Constitution reads "Slavery and involuntary servitude in this State are forbidden, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.”

The State's Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity is discussing a constitutional amendment. While lawmakers are not currently in session and cannot take action, they are looking at options.

Last Monday, Northern Kentucky University professor David Childs gave a presentation on Section 25. The language from Kentucky's constitution comes from the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which also allowed for slavery as punishment for a crime.

Childs said the new laws would often lead to Black people being incarcerated for minor offenses.

It's the same thought Joseph McGill, creator of The Slave Dwelling Project shared.

McGill is in Louisville this weekend staying at the Farmington Plantation, once home to the Speed family and their slaves. McGill visits sites, like Farmington, to shed new light on historic sites.

"Very seldom would we hear about the enslaved people in the places that they inhabited in those sites," McGill said.

It is no surprise to McGill that Kentucky's Constitution has the exception for slavery, but applauds lawmakers for taking up the issue for discussion.

"I think the action the Kentucky is now taking to eradicate that from this constitution is a major step," he said.

If a proposed amendment passes by lawmakers, it would then be up to Kentucky voters.

The proposed question on the ballot could read "Are you in favor of amending Section 25 of the constitution to prohibit slavery in all circumstances?”