Senegal Lawmakers approve tougher anti-gay legislation

Momodou Sonko reports from Dakar, Senegal
Lawmakers in Senegal have approved a controversial bill that significantly increases penalties for same-sex relationships, marking one of the latest moves by an African nation to enforce stricter laws against the LGBTQ+ community. The legislation, passed by parliament this week, now awaits the signature of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye before it can take effect.
Senegal President, Diomaye Faye
The proposal was introduced last month by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who argued that the country’s existing law, dating back to 1966, did not go far enough in addressing what supporters describe as behavior “against nature.” Under the new measure, prison sentences for those convicted of homosexual acts would increase from the current range of one to five years to a harsher penalty of five to ten years.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, nearly all members of parliament voted in favor of the bill, with no votes against and only three abstentions. The overwhelming support reflects the strong conservative and religious sentiment in the predominantly Muslim West African nation, where public opinion has historically opposed the legalization of same-sex relationships.
In addition to longer prison terms, the bill also introduces penalties for what it calls the “promotion” or “financing” of homosexuality. This provision is widely seen as targeting advocacy groups, non-governmental organizations, and individuals who support sexual and gender minorities.
The legislation raises financial penalties as well, increasing fines to as much as 10 million CFA francs (about $17,000). However, the offense related to promotion remains classified as a misdemeanor rather than a felony.
The text of the bill groups homosexuality with other offenses described as “acts against nature,” including necrophilia and bestiality. At the same time, lawmakers included a clause making it illegal to accuse someone of homosexual acts without proof, a provision intended to prevent false allegations.
The proposed law has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and the United Nations.
Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged Senegal’s president not to sign the bill, warning that it could undermine fundamental freedoms.
According to Türk, the legislation conflicts with internationally recognized rights, including the right to privacy, dignity, equality, and freedom of expression and association.
Laws criminalizing same-sex relations remain common across the continent. More than 30 of Africa’s 54 countries maintain legal prohibitions on homosexual acts. Nations such as Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania also impose prison sentences that can exceed 10 years, while in countries including Uganda, Somalia, and Mauritania, same-sex relations can carry the death penalty under certain laws.
If signed into law, the new legislation would place Senegal among the countries with the strictest penalties in West Africa, reinforcing the divide between African governments and international rights groups over issues of sexuality, culture, and national sovereignty.

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