France votes unanimously to abolish Code Noir, a colonial-era slavery law
The symbolic repeal follows mounting calls for reparatory measures as France confronts the legacy of its 1.4 million-person slave trade, officials said.
- The French National Assembly voted unanimously 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, a 1685 law that classified enslaved people as property and legalized slavery.
- The Code Noir allowed severe punishments and denied enslaved people rights, and it remained formally in French law long after the abolition of slavery in 1848.
- President Emmanuel Macron called repealing the law a restoration of humanity for descendants of enslaved people and described the law's survival as offensive.
94 Articles
94 Articles
'We Are Descendants of Human Beings': Tears in Parliament as France Repeals 1685 Slavery Law
France's lower house of parliament has voted unanimously to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the colonial-era decree that once defined enslaved Africans as property. The National Assembly decision, 254-0, formally removes a law that had long lost legal force but remained symbolically present in French statute books. The Code Noir, signed under King Louis XIV, regulated slavery across France's colonies, authorising brutal punishments, forced labour, an…
The code noir dates back to the 17th century and is still in force: the National Assembly voted to repeal it
Under the laws of the "Code Noir", people were enslaved, raped and killed. Even if they had long ceased to apply, France has only now abolished the laws. The question of reparation payments remains.
All 254 MPs present voted in favor of the repeal, representing a rare moment of unity in an otherwise politically divided parliament.
The debates held on Thursday 28 May in the Chamber revealed the hypocrisy of the National Rally, while resonating with the burning news of discrimination and racism in contemporary France. Many Members deplored the inaction of the Head of State in this regard.
The Black Code, a decree approved by King Louis XIV in 1685 to provide a legal framework for slavery, has finally been repealed in France. By 254 votes in favour and...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
