The government of Senegal has advanced a legislative proposal that would significantly increase penalties for same-sex relationships, doubling the maximum prison sentence from five to ten years. The bill, championed by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, was sent to the national parliament this week following cabinet approval.
Homosexuality is already criminalized in the West African nation, with current laws stipulating a penalty of one to five years in prison for what are termed "acts against nature." The new legislation seeks to not only increase the jail time but also to introduce substantial fines of up to 10 million CFA francs (approximately €15,200).
A Broadening Crackdown
The proposed law comes amidst a recent escalation in arrests targeting the LGBTQ+ community. According to media reports, at least 30 people have been detained this month alone under existing anti-homosexuality statutes, including several public figures and a well-known journalist. Human Rights Watch has condemned the crackdown, stating it violates multiple international human rights protections, including equality and non-discrimination.
The bill also aims to criminalize the "promotion or advocacy" of same-sex relations, which could carry a prison sentence of three to seven years. This provision raises serious concerns for activists and organizations working on human rights and public health in the country.
In a notable addition, the legislation also proposes punishments for individuals who accuse others of homosexuality "without proof," though the practical implications of this clause remain unclear.
Political and Regional Context
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, a prominent political figure who took office in 2024, had previously indicated his intention to toughen laws against homosexuality in the majority-Muslim country. With his Pastef party controlling the parliament, the bill is expected to face little opposition, although a date for the vote has not yet been scheduled.
Senegal's move is reflective of a broader, concerning trend of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across several African nations. In 2023, Uganda enacted one of the world's most severe anti-homosexuality laws, which includes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts. Similar legislative efforts have been seen in Ghana, while Burkina Faso and Mali have also recently banned homosexual acts, creating an increasingly hostile environment for queer people in the region.
For now, the LGBTQ+ community in Senegal and their allies face a period of heightened uncertainty and fear as they await the parliament's decision on a law that could further entrench discrimination and persecution.
