HIGHLIGHTS

France Takes Historic Step to Erase Colonial-Era Slavery Law

On 28 May 2026, France took an important step toward confronting its colonial past when its Parliament unanimously voted to formally repeal the Code Noir (Black Code), a centuries-old law that once governed slavery in French colonies. Although slavery had been abolished long ago, the law itself had never been officially removed from the legal books. The recent vote seeks to correct that historical oversight.

What Was the Code Noir?

The Code Noir was first issued in 1685 during the reign of King Louis XIV. Later versions were adopted until 1724. The law was created to regulate slavery in France’s overseas colonies, particularly in the Caribbean.

Most controversially, the code treated enslaved people as property rather than human beings with rights. It laid down rules on how enslaved individuals could be bought and sold, the punishments they could face, and restrictions on their everyday lives. The Code Noir became one of the most notorious symbols of France’s colonial slave system.

Slavery Ended, but the Law Remained

France permanently abolished slavery in 1848. With slavery outlawed, the Code Noir ceased to have any practical effect. However, lawmakers at the time never formally repealed the law.

As a result, for nearly 180 years, the Code Noir remained technically part of French legal history—unused and unenforceable, but never officially erased. The 2026 vote aims to finally remove this lingering symbol of colonial injustice.

A Rare Unanimous Vote

The initiative to repeal the Code Noir was led by Max Mathiasin, a Member of Parliament from Guadeloupe, a French Caribbean territory deeply affected by the legacy of slavery.

The proposal received rare cross-party support. All 254 lawmakers present in the National Assembly voted in favour of the repeal, with no votes against it. The bill must still be approved by the French Senate before it officially becomes law.

More Symbolic Than Legal

The repeal will not change current laws or legal rights in France. Slavery is already prohibited under modern French law and constitutional principles.

Instead, lawmakers described the repeal as a powerful symbolic act. By formally removing the Code Noir, France acknowledges the cruelty of its colonial past and pays tribute to the millions of people who suffered under slavery.

The legislation also requires a report to be submitted to Parliament examining the lasting effects of colonialism and slavery, including their links to present-day discrimination and systemic racism.

Debate Over Reparations Continues

While there was unanimous agreement on repealing the law, debate arose over whether symbolism alone is enough.

Some lawmakers argued that true justice requires more than removing an old legal text. They called for additional measures, such as formal state apologies or financial reparations for descendants of enslaved people.

French President Emmanuel Macron supported preserving the memory of slavery but did not advocate for financial compensation. Meanwhile, the bill’s sponsor, Max Mathiasin, chose not to include reparations in the proposal, fearing that doing so could divide political support and jeopardise the historic repeal.

A Step Toward Historical Justice

France’s decision to repeal the Code Noir is primarily symbolic, but symbols can carry great importance. The move reflects an effort to acknowledge historical wrongs and confront the enduring legacy of slavery and colonialism.

Whether future governments will go beyond symbolism and address demands for reparations remains an open question. For now, the repeal marks an important moment in France’s ongoing journey toward historical recognition and justice.

Reference

• The Guardian: Emphasised the "rare show of political unity" in France’s bitterly divided National Assembly and detailed how the law had survived as a "colonial exception" long after 1848.
• Associated Press (AP) / The Week: Highlighted the widespread public shock that a law classifying humans as "movable property" had quietly remained on the books for nearly two centuries, focusing heavily on reactions from French overseas territories.
• JURIST News: Detailed the legal timeline of the bill (first tabled in September 2025) and focused on the parliamentary debate regarding the next steps for economic and social justice in the Overseas Territories.
• Jamaica Gleaner: Focused on the personal perspective of the bill's sponsor, Max Mathiasin—a great-great-grandson of enslaved people—and how the vote helps restore the humanity of ancestors.