Story perspectives

French Assembly Unanimously Repeals Code Noir, Mandates Slavery Report

6/1/2026

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French Assembly Repeals Code Noir

The repeal bill orders a parliamentary report on colonial law’s lasting impact and slavery teaching in French overseas territories’ schools.
French National Assembly voted 254-0 on May 28 to repeal the Code Noir, sending measure to the Senate.
MP Max Mathiasin, who introduced the bill on September 16 2025, said it follows the Taubira Law.
Overseas Territories Minister Naïma Moutchiou said the report will examine slavery’s curricular and socioeconomic legacy.

Right

Simrill Confronts Past

Michael Simril and Spenser Simrill scaled Asheville’s Craggy Pinnacle to face their shared South Carolina slavery legacy.
France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 on May 28 to repeal the Code Noir; the bill now awaits Senate approval.
Spenser learned his great-grandfather added “L” in 1916 to split white and enslaved Simrill.
Harriet Simril testified to Congress in 1871 about Klan violence, linking families and inspiring reunions.

History

Historical Context

On 27 April 1848 the French Second Republic, guided by abolitionist Victor Schœlcher, issued decrees that freed 251,019 enslaved people in colonies such as Martinique and Guadeloupe, overturning the Code Noir. This 1848 breakthrough set a legal precedent that today’s unanimous 254-0 parliamentary vote to repeal the Code Noir invokes as France confronts its colonial legacy.

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French Assembly Repeals Code Noir

The repeal bill orders a parliamentary report on colonial law’s lasting impact and slavery teaching in French overseas territories’ schools.
French National Assembly voted 254-0 on May 28 to repeal the Code Noir, sending measure to the Senate.
MP Max Mathiasin, who introduced the bill on September 16 2025, said it follows the Taubira Law.
Overseas Territories Minister Naïma Moutchiou said the report will examine slavery’s curricular and socioeconomic legacy.

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