France’s parliament voted on Thursday, 28 May 2026, to repeal a centuries-old slavery law that classified enslaved people as property, nearly 180 years after slavery was abolished in the country.
The law, known as the “Code Noir” or “Black Code”, was introduced in 1685 under King Louis XIV to govern slavery in French colonies in the Caribbean and elsewhere. It described enslaved people as “movable property” and set out punishments for those who tried to escape.
Although France abolished slavery in 1848, the Code Noir itself had never been formally removed from the legal system.
Thursday’s vote in the National Assembly is therefore largely symbolic, but lawmakers said it was an important act of remembrance and recognition.
The bill was introduced by Guadeloupe MP Max Mathiasin, who said the move was intended to honour the memory of enslaved men, women and children.
Under the legislation, the French government would also be required to report on the continuing impact of slavery and colonial laws, including their links to racism and inequality, and how slavery is taught in schools.
The debate has renewed calls for reparations from some politicians and activists in France’s overseas territories.
However, the proposed law does not include compensation measures.
President Emmanuel Macron has backed the repeal, saying the slavery-era legislation should not have remained on the statute books.
