France moves to repeal yet-to-be-abolished slavery law, Code Noir
Summary
French lawmakers are set to vote on repealing the Code Noir, a colonial-era law that regulated slavery and was never officially abolished after slavery ended in 1848. The repeal aims to acknowledge this outdated law that classified enslaved people as property and is part of a larger effort to address France’s colonial history.Key Facts
- The Code Noir was a law signed in 1685 by King Louis XIV to regulate slavery in French colonies.
- Though slavery was abolished in 1848, the Code Noir was never formally repealed until now.
- The law treated enslaved people as property, allowing harsh punishments and denying their rights.
- French lawmakers plan to officially repeal the Code Noir in a vote at the National Assembly.
- President Emmanuel Macron called keeping the law on record for so long a form of offense but did not apologize.
- France’s overseas territories like Guadeloupe and Martinique still reflect the legacy of slavery and face high poverty and unemployment.
- The repeal is seen by some as symbolic but important to recognize and restore dignity to descendants of enslaved people.
- Max Mathiasin, a lawmaker from Guadeloupe, proposed the repeal and sees it as fulfilling France’s promise of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
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