French Senate Repeals 17th-Century 'Code Noir' Law

The French Senate on October 20, 2026, formally approved the repeal of the 17th-century "Code Noir," a legal framework that codified slavery in French colonies, more than 170 years after slavery's abolition in France[1]. This action follows a unanimous 254-0 vote by the National Assembly on May 28, 2026, to annul the decree[3][4][14].

This legislative action is largely symbolic, as slavery was abolished in France in 1848, but it has sparked renewed discussions among activists and officials about addressing historical injustices, particularly the need for reparations[3][10][15][17]. The repeal removes from official legal texts a document that historically sanctioned brutal practices.

What the records show

The "Code Noir," or "Black Code," was originally issued as a royal edict by King Louis XIV in 1685[3][5]. This document, consisting of 60 articles, extensively regulated the lives of enslaved people in French colonies[3][5][6]. It defined enslaved individuals as "movable property," as stated in Article 44, and outlined their treatment, punishments, and religious obligations[3][5][7]. The code mandated conversion to Catholicism for all enslaved people and allowed for brutal punishments, including mutilation for those who attempted to flee[3][8][9]. Despite the abolition of slavery in 1848, the "Code Noir" remained on the books as a historical legal text[3][11][15]. France had previously recognized slavery and the slave trade as crimes against humanity in 2001 with the Taubira Law[10][11][15]. Historically, France transported an estimated 1.4 million Africans to its colonies[10].

Timeline

1685: King Louis XIV issues the "Code Noir" to regulate slavery in French colonies[3][5].
1848: Slavery is abolished in France, but the "Code Noir" remains legally on the books[3][11].
2001: France recognizes slavery and the slave trade as crimes against humanity with the Taubira Law[10][11][15].
September 16, 2025: Lawmaker Max Mathiasin, a representative from Guadeloupe, sponsors a bill to repeal the "Code Noir"[11][12][15].
May 28, 2026: The National Assembly votes unanimously, 254-0, in favor of repealing the "Code Noir"[3][4][14].
October 20, 2026: The French Senate formally approves the repeal of the "Code Noir"[1].

What changed and for whom

The repeal of the "Code Noir" is largely symbolic, as the laws had been effectively defunct since 1848[1][3]. Its removal from the legal framework acknowledges a painful past for many. Lawmaker Steevy Gustave, from Martinique and a descendant of enslaved people, emphasized the repeal's symbolic yet incomplete nature during the parliamentary session, stating, "No vote alone can repair centuries of shattered lives." He further clarified, "We are not descendants of slaves. We are descendants of human beings born free, then reduced to the worst, reduced to slavery"[3][9][12]. Activists and some officials argue that this symbolic gesture must be followed by concrete actions, such as substantial reparations programs, to address the lasting historical, cultural, social, economic, and psychological harm caused by slavery[9][10][15][17]. Critics, including activist Dieudonne Boutrin, suggest that the repeal "changes nothing" without such tangible measures[15].

What the subject has said publicly

President Emmanuel Macron voiced support for the repeal prior to the National Assembly vote[3][9]. He stated that the continued existence of the "Code Noir" in French law was "no longer an oversight" but had "become a form of offense"[3][13]. Macron also addressed the issue of reparations, calling it "a question that must not be refused" but cautioning against "false promises"[9][17].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific legislative steps and timeline for any potential reparations programs following the repeal of the "Code Noir."