French Parliament Votes Unanimously to Repeal 1685 Black Code
The National Assembly passed a bill 254-0 repealing the colonial-era Code Noir that classified enslaved people as property. The measure removes a law that lost force in 1848 but remained on the statute books.
Los Angeles TimesFrance's lower house of parliament voted Thursday to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, a royal decree that governed slavery in French colonies. The National Assembly approved the bill 254-0. The measure eliminates a text that defined enslaved people as movable property and prescribed punishments including branding and death for those who fled.
It had remained in the legal code nearly two centuries after France abolished slavery in 1848.
Louis XIV signed the 60-article decree to regulate the treatment of enslaved Africans in French colonies. Article 44 stated that the enslaved were assets a master could acquire like real estate. " He added, "We are not descendants of slaves. " Max Mathiasin, the Guadeloupe lawmaker who introduced the repeal bill, said the vote restores "our ancestors, restoring our humanity" and helps France live up to its motto of liberty, equality, fraternity.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- May 21, 2026
President Macron discussed reparations at the Taubira law's 25th anniversary.
2 sourcesLos Angeles Times · New York Post - May 27, 2026
Max Mathiasin posed for photos ahead of the National Assembly vote.
2 sourcesNew York Post - May 28, 2026
National Assembly passed the repeal bill 254-0.
3 sourcesLos Angeles Times · New York Post · Le Monde
Potential Impact
- 01
Advocates may press for further measures addressing inequality in overseas departments.
- 02
The repeal removes a dormant statute but creates no new legal rights or obligations.
Transparency Panel
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