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Racial Language in Oregon's Constitution
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CCRH Presents: Local Color
Racial Language in Oregon's Constitution |
Language in Oregon's constitution singled out free African Americans and "mulattos," making it impossible for them to reside in the state legally and to vote. Voters repealed these articles in 1926 and 1927. In 2002, residents of the state of Oregon overwhelmingly voted to remove all racist language from their constitution.
Article 1 Section 31.White foreigners who are,
or may hereafter become residents of this State shall enjoy the same
rights in respect to the possession, enjoyment, and descent of property
as native born citizens. And the Legislative Assembly shall have power
to restrain, and regulate the immigration to this State of persons not
qualified to become citizens of the United States.
Article I Section 34. There shall be neither slavery,
nor involuntary servitude in the State, otherwise than as a punishment
for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.
Article I Section 35. No free negro, or mulatto,
not residing in this State at the time of the adoption of this Constitution,
shall come, reside, or be within this State, or hold any real estate,
or make any contracts, or maintain any suit therein; and the Legislative
Assembly shall provide by penal laws, for the removal, by public officers,
of all such negroes, and mulattoes, and for their effectual exclusion
from the State, and for the punishment of persons who shall bring them
into the state, or employ, or harbor them. (Repealed November 3, 1926).
Article II Section 6.--No Negro, Chinaman, or Mulatto shall have the
right of suffrage. (Repealed June28, 1927).
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