Oregon Constitution

Although many southern, and some western, states instituted similar laws, Oregon was the only state in the union to wnte exclusion into its constitution.

The Constitution of the State of Oregon

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 (Repealed November 3, 1926).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 11 Section 6.–No Negro, Chinaman, or Mulatto shall have the right of suffrage. (Repealed June28, 1927).

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