PARIS, France: French lawmakers voted on May 28 to officially cancel old slavery-era laws that treated enslaved people as property and allowed harsh punishment.

However, the parliamentarians did not include any plan for reparations.

This move is mostly symbolic and comes as France continues to debate compensation for slavery and the ongoing effects of racism and inequality linked to its colonial past.

If the bill becomes law, the government will have to report to parliament on how colonial laws and slavery have affected French overseas territories, how they still influence racism and discrimination today, and how slavery is taught in schools.

The laws being repealed are known as the "Code noir," which was created between 1685 and 1724. Although France ended slavery in 1848, these laws were never officially canceled.

Max Mathiasin, a lawmaker from Guadeloupe, said the goal is not to erase history or fully heal past wounds, but to take an important step toward remembering, justice, and recognition.

All 254 lawmakers present voted in favor of the proposal, but it still needs approval from the upper house of parliament.

President Emmanuel Macron supported the move, saying such outdated laws should not still exist. He also mentioned reparations, but did not suggest any specific plans.

Some lawmakers wanted reparations included in the bill, but Mathiasin said it would complicate the bill. Another lawmaker, Marcellin Nadeau from Martinique, said reparations are the key issue, but he did not take part in the vote.

France was one of the main countries involved in the transatlantic slave trade, responsible for about 13 percent of voyages between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Around the world, calls for reparations, such as apologies or financial compensation, are growing, though some argue that current governments should not be held responsible for past actions.

In March, France chose not to support a United Nations resolution that called slavery the worst crime against humanity and pushed for reparations.