Slavery: Parliament to symbolically repeal the Black Code - Overseas
France is set to formally abolish the 'Code noir,' a set of laws enacted during the 17th and 18th centuries that governed slavery in French colonies. Though these laws were effectively nullified by the abolition of slavery in 1848, they remained technically part of French law until now. The symbolic repeal aims to acknowledge the historical legacy of slavery and its ongoing impact, including systemic racism and educational gaps regarding this history. The proposed legislation, passed unanimously by the National Assembly, includes a request for a government report on the lasting effects of colonial law and its influence on current inequalities between overseas territories and mainland France. However, the bill does not address calls for reparations, which remain a contentious issue among some overseas communities. While the Senate plans to adopt the bill as-is, some senators argue for broader inclusion of colonial-era laws beyond the Caribbean, such as those affecting Reunion Island.
The French Parliament is set to formally abolish the symbolic "Code noir," a set of royal edicts from the 17th and 18th centuries that governed slavery in French colonies, during a Senate vote on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The proposal, introduced by Guadeloupean deputy Max Mathiasin (Liot) and passed unanimously by the National Assembly in May, will undergo final approval by senators starting at 2:30 p.m. Paris time (2:30 p.m. Martinique time). These historical texts, which defined enslaved individuals as "movable property" subject to purchase or sale and imposed severe punishments for escape, including branding, mutilation, and execution, had remained part of French law since their creation, despite losing legal effect after the abolition of slavery in 1848. The legislation aims to remove these provisions from the legal record, marking a symbolic step toward confronting France’s colonial past. The bill also mandates the government to submit a report on the legacy of colonial law, including its ongoing effects such as systemic racism, and on how the history of slavery is taught in schools. However, it does not address calls for reparations, a contentious issue raised by several overseas territories. At the National Assembly, some deputies highlighted that following the abolition of slavery, the state compensated former slave owners rather than freed individuals, leaving lasting inequalities between overseas regions and mainland France, as well as racial disparities affecting Black communities. Senator Louis Vogel (Horizons), the rapporteur, anticipates the Senate will approve the bill unchanged, ensuring its final passage. Nonetheless, several amendments have been proposed, with Senator Evelyne Corbière Naminzo (Communist group) arguing that laws governing slavery in the Indian Ocean, particularly in Reunion, should be explicitly included alongside the Antillean Code noir. She emphasizes that "when speaking of symbolism, no one should be forgotten." Vogel defends the current wording, stating that listing all relevant texts risks omissions and that a symbolic law should primarily establish a principle.
Go to the primary sources (4)
The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.
The French Parliament has unanimously approved the abolition of the 'Code Noir' and all related texts that regulated slavery in French overseas territories, which had never been formally repealed since their abolition in 1848. The cross-party initiative, led by Guadeloupean MP Max Mathiasin, was passed by both the National Assembly and the Senate. This symbolic move aims to address historical injustices and promote reconciliation between mainland France and its former colonies. The 'Code Noir,' established through royal edicts between the 17th and 18th centuries, provided legal frameworks for slavery in French colonies, despite being illegal in mainland France at the time. These laws, though no longer legally binding, were seen as a painful reminder of France’s colonial past.
Bias read (Progressive): The article emphasizes the symbolic and moral significance of abolishing the 'Code Noir,' highlighting efforts to acknowledge historical injustice and promote reconciliation. It frames the action as a step toward justice and dignity for those affected by slavery, reflecting a progressive stance on殖民
France has formally abolished the 'Code Noir', a set of laws that regulated slavery in its former colonies, and other historical texts related to slavery after a symbolic vote in the Senate. These laws, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, had been legally obsolete since the abolition of slavery in 1848 but remained in French law books. The legislation, supported by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to remove these legal remnants as symbols of a painful past rather than as active laws. The bill was passed unanimously in both chambers of Parliament and includes provisions for a government report on the legacy of colonial law and its impact on modern issues like racism. However, the issue of reparations for descendants of enslaved people remains unresolved, with some lawmakers calling for further action.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the legislative process and the symbolic nature of the abrogation of the 'Code Noir' without overtly favoring any political side. It includes perspectives from multiple stakeholders, including the minister and lawmakers, and does not use biased language or omit significant views
France is set to formally abolish the 'Code noir,' a set of laws enacted during the 17th and 18th centuries that governed slavery in French colonies. Though these laws were effectively nullified by the abolition of slavery in 1848, they remained technically part of French law until now. The symbolic repeal aims to acknowledge the historical legacy of slavery and its ongoing impact, including systemic racism and educational gaps regarding this history. The proposed legislation, passed unanimously by the National Assembly, includes a request for a government report on the lasting effects of colonial law and its influence on current inequalities between overseas territories and mainland France. However, the bill does not address calls for reparations, which remain a contentious issue among some overseas communities. While the Senate plans to adopt the bill as-is, some senators argue for broader inclusion of colonial-era laws beyond the Caribbean, such as those affecting Reunion Island.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives, those advocating for a broad interpretation of the law’s scope and those favoring a narrower approach, without overtly favoring either side. It provides balanced quotes from different senators and highlights the symbolic nature of the law while acknowledging the
The French Parliament is considering a bill to formally abolish the 'Code Noir,' a set of laws that governed slavery in French colonies until its abolition in 1848. The proposed legislation aims to remove these historical texts from legal effect, though the measure is largely symbolic rather than legally transformative. This move reflects ongoing efforts to address France’s colonial past and its legacy of slavery. The Senate is currently reviewing the proposal, which has sparked discussions about historical justice and national identity.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the legislative process objectively, noting that the measure is symbolic and does not take a clear stance on the issue. It provides balanced context about the nature of the proposed law and its implications without apparent ideological framing.
How each side covered it
The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.
progressive
center
conservative
★
How each side covered it
Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.
France
