French Parliament Advances Bill to Repeal Colonial-Era Slavery Law

French lawmakers advanced legislation to repeal a colonial-era statute that classified people enslaved in France's former colonies as movable goods. The bill targets outdated legal language still present in French statutes. Parliamentary proceedings on the measure drew visible emotional responses from some members.

The statute in question originates from France's colonial period and remains on the books despite later legal changes. Repeal would remove the classification without altering other provisions already enacted. The measure forms part of ongoing French efforts to address historical legal frameworks tied to colonialism. No timeline for final passage was specified in the report.