Story perspectives

France Parliament Unanimously Repeals Code Noir, Calls for Reparations

5/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

French National Assembly voted unanimously 254-0 in 2026 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, ending its formal status.
Lawmakers framed the vote as a symbolic restoration of enslaved peoples’ dignity.
MP Steevy Gustave, a Martinique descendant of enslaved people, wept in the chamber, saying the vote alone cannot repair centuries of shattered lives.
President Emmanuel Macron called the Code Noir’s survival an offense and urged truth-telling and possible reparations.

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Story summary

French National Assembly voted unanimously 254-0 in 2026 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, ending its formal status.
Lawmakers framed the vote as a symbolic restoration of enslaved peoples’ dignity.
MP Steevy Gustave, a Martinique descendant of enslaved people, wept in the chamber, saying the vote alone cannot repair centuries of shattered lives.
President Emmanuel Macron called the Code Noir’s survival an offense and urged truth-telling and possible reparations.