It seems slavery is commonplace as Qui Gon and Obi Wan, although not condoning Shmi Skywalker's slavery, seemed not to question it. In fact, if it had been illegal they would have just taken Anakin from Watto rather than gambled for him. The fact they left his mother with Watto in slavery is also a bit suspect. Come to think of it, why did Obi Wan never go back to Tatooine and free her?! So come on Republicans, why is slavery allowed in the Republic?