May 26, 2016 — Los Angeles, California

Abolition Amendment:  First Section Finalized

After closing of the second period for public commentary, criticism, and suggestions, the Humane Party has finalized the text of Section 1 of the Abolition Amendment. The Abolition Amendment is a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Modeled closely on the 13th Amendment, the Abolition Amendment abolishes the property status of all animals—not just homo sapiens—within U.S. jurisdiction.

Background

The first draft of the Abolition Amendment was published for a month­-long period for public comment in December, 2015. The text of the first draft was modified after closing of the first public­-comment period in light of feedback received during this period. The second draft was published for public comment in April, 2016. This second draft included the following language for Section 1:

Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude of any animal shall exist within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

This language adds three words—“of any animal”—to the pre-­existing language of the 13 Amendment. It also deletes the 13th Amendment exception for slavery or involuntary servitude as criminal punishment.

Finalization of Section 1

No persuasive arguments for further modification of the language quoted above emerged during the second public-­comment period, which closed in April, 2016. Accordingly, the above text was finalized as Section 1 for the Abolition Amendment by Robin Miller, current Chief Executive Officer of the Humane Party , on May 6, 2016.

Remaining Sections

The remaining sections of the Abolition Amendment have not been finalized, and the process of revising these sections in light of comments received during the second public­-comment period continues. Upon completion of the third draft, these sections will be subjected to at least a third public-­comment period.