# Ri. Const. art. I, § 2: Laws for good of whole — Burdens to be equally distributed — Due process — Equal protection — Discrimination — No right to abortion granted

> Rhode Island · Constitutions · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S2

## Section

- **Citation:** Ri. Const. art. I, § 2
- **Heading:** Laws for good of whole — Burdens to be equally distributed — Due process — Equal protection — Discrimination — No right to abortion granted
- **Jurisdiction:** Rhode Island
- **Kind:** Constitutions
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Article I / Section 2

## Text

All free governments are instituted for the protection, safety, and happiness of the people. All laws, therefore, should be made for the good of the whole; and the burdens of the state ought to be fairly distributed among its citizens. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied equal protection of the laws. No otherwise qualified person shall, solely by reason of race, gender or handicap be subject to discrimination by the state, its agents or any person or entity doing business with the state. Nothing in this section shall be construed to grant or secure any right relating to abortion or the funding thereof .

## Nearby sections

- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 1 Right to make and alter Constitution — Constitution obligatory upon all.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S1.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 2 Laws for good of whole — Burdens to be equally distributed — Due process — Equal protection — Discrimination — No right to abortion granted.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S2.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 3 Freedom of religion.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S3.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 4 Slavery prohibited.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S4.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 5 Entitlement to remedies for injuries and wrongs — Right to justice.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S5.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 6 Search and seizure.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S6.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 7 Requirement of presentment or indictment — Information by attorney-general — Grand juries — Double jeopardy.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S7.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 8 Bail, fines and punishments.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S8.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 9 Right to bail — Habeas corpus.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S9.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 10 Rights of accused persons in criminal proceedings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S10.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 11 Relief of debtors from prison.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S11.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 12 Ex post facto laws — Laws impairing obligation of contract.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S12.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 13 Self-crimination.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S13.md)
- [Ri. Const. art. I, § 14 Presumption of innocence — Securing accused persons.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SCONST_RI_AI_S2. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.