Senegal's Parliament Approves Stricter Anti-Gay Legislation
Senegal's parliament has passed a new law that doubles the maximum prison sentence for sexual acts between same-sex couples to 10 years and criminalises the "promotion" of homosexuality.
The measure received support from 135 members of parliament, with no votes against and three abstentions. The legislation now awaits the president's signature to become law.
The bill was a campaign promise of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. It was introduced following a series of arrests related to alleged same-sex relationships, which are already prohibited under Senegalese law.
International and Domestic Reactions
Volker Türk, the United Nations human rights chief, described the bill as "deeply worrying" and urged the president not to sign it.
However, the government spokesman dismissed international criticism, stating that the legislation reflects the views of the Senegalese population.
"The majority of Senegalese do not accept homosexuality. Our culture rejects it and we are firmly opposed to it," said Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarré.
Conservative activists in Senegal have long called for harsher penalties. The group And Sàmm Jikko Yi, which campaigns to defend Senegalese moral values, has repeatedly urged authorities to adopt stricter laws criminalising homosexual acts. Its leaders argue that the legislation is necessary to protect cultural and religious norms.
Concerns from Rights Groups
Human rights organisations warn that the new law could increase discrimination and violence against sexual minorities. Larissa Kojoué, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, expressed concern about the proposed changes.
"Criminalising same-sex conduct and arresting people for their sexual orientation violates multiple internationally protected rights, including equality and non-discrimination."
She added that such measures risk exposing people who are already stigmatised to "violence and fear."
Alioune Tine, founder of the Afrikajom Center think-tank, told the BBC that the current environment could exacerbate social tensions.
"If it is true that social concerns must be addressed, [the law] also has to respect human rights and protecting public-health policies."
Others have noted that same-sex relationships exist regardless of legal prohibitions.
Charles Dotou, head of the Senegal LGBTQ Association and a medical doctor, told day:
"Most of the same-sex relationships were hidden anyway. There are even people who are married in the society and who are still entertaining a safe-sex relationship because of the norm and the cultural norm in that society."
"All that will happen is people will be hiding more, it will create more fear and people will be scared to live normally in that community. So there will be an exodus of people, particularly people who were already exposed so that that creates a bit of chaos in society."
Context of Recent Arrests and HIV Concerns
The tightening of Senegal's law follows a wave of arrests last month related to alleged same-sex relationships. Police detained 12 men, including two public figures and a prominent journalist.
Some supporters of the tougher legislation cite concerns about HIV transmission, despite scientific consensus that people of any sexuality can contract and spread the virus.
Experts warn that further criminalising same-sex relations could stigmatise gay people living with HIV, discouraging them from seeking essential medical care.
Senegal has been recognised for its efforts in controlling HIV. According to the health ministry, between 42,000 and 44,000 people live with the virus in the country, with a national prevalence of approximately 0.3% among adults, one of the lowest rates in West Africa.
At the Fann University Hospital in Dakar, Dr Safiétou Thiam, executive secretary of the National Council for the Fight Against Aids (CNLS), expressed concern about the implications for LGBTQ+ individuals.
"We have managed to control the HIV epidemic and we are moving towards eliminating Aids as a public health problem in Senegal," Dr Thiam said. "But what is happening now risks undermining the results of 30 to 35 years of efforts in the fight against the disease."
Details of the Legislation and Regional Trends
Ousmane Sonko, the opposition leader appointed prime minister in 2024, informed lawmakers that the bill would impose fines up to 10,000,000 CFA francs ($17,600; £13,000) and prison sentences ranging from five to 10 years for what it describes as "acts against nature," compared to the current one- to five-year terms in the predominantly Muslim country.
Several other African nations have introduced stringent laws against the LGBTQ+ community in recent years.
In September 2023, Burkina Faso's transitional parliament approved a bill banning homosexual acts, following Mali's similar legislation in 2024.
Uganda passed some of the world's harshest anti-homosexual laws in 2023, allowing the death penalty in certain cases involving same-sex relationships.
Ghana is also planning to reintroduce an anti-homosexuality bill that activists warn threatens fundamental human rights, safety, and freedom.
More about Senegal from the BBC
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