In the context of Louisiana's historic 'gens de couleur libres' (free people of color), what was their legal and social status before the Civil War?
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A
They had full equal rights identical to white citizens in all respects
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B
They occupied a distinct middle social tier—legally free, often property-owning, but subject to racial restrictions and unable to vote
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C
They were considered enslaved persons under Louisiana law regardless of freedom documents
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D
They held political offices and sat on juries with no restrictions