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🇦🇹 Austria /Culture & Society

France Formally Abolishes Slave Law 'Code Noir'

From Der Standard · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Approved/passed
  • France is formally abolishing its historical slave law, the 'Code Noir,' which regulated slavery in its colonies.
  • The National Assembly unanimously approved a bill to officially repeal these never-formally-abolished slave laws.
  • Lawmakers hope this symbolic gesture may pave the way for reparations for the descendants of enslaved people.

France is moving to formally abolish its notorious 'Code Noir,' the set of laws that regulated slavery in its colonies. While these laws have not been in effect for a long time, they were never officially repealed, leaving a legal ambiguity.

The National Assembly recently voted unanimously in favor of a bill that will officially nullify these historical slave laws. The legislation now awaits approval from the Senate before it can be fully enacted.

a significant symbolic and political gesture

— Max MathiasinThe deputy described the formal abolition of the 'Code Noir.'

Max Mathiasin, a deputy from Guadeloupe who introduced the bill, described the abolition as a "significant symbolic and political gesture." He expressed hope that this formal repeal might open the door for reparations to be considered for the descendants of those who suffered under the system of slavery.

The 'Code Noir,' originally enacted in 1685, dictated the terms of slavery in French colonies for centuries. Its legacy continues to be felt by affected communities, and its formal abolition is seen by many as a necessary step in acknowledging and addressing the historical injustices of French colonialism and slavery.

This opens perhaps the way for reparations

— Max MathiasinThe deputy expressed hope for future reparations following the bill's passage.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Der Standard in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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