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Senegal’s parliament has passed a controversial law that significantly increases penalties for same-sex relations, a move that has sparked widespread concern within the LGBTQ community and among human rights advocates.
The new legislation, approved by the National Assembly on Wednesday, doubles the maximum prison sentence for those found guilty of same-sex relations, extending it to up to 10 years. This legislation is now awaiting the signature of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to become law.
The bill, which garnered overwhelming support with a vote of 135 in favour and three abstentions, also introduces criminal penalties for individuals promoting or financing same-sex relationships.
Under the new law, “acts against nature,” a term frequently used to describe same-sex relations, are punishable by five to 10 years in prison. Previously, the penalty ranged from one to five years. Additionally, anyone found advocating for same-sex relations faces three to seven years in prison.
The law also stipulates heavy fines ranging from two million to 10 million CFA francs ($3,500 to $17,600), a significant increase from the previous fine range of 100,000 to 1.5 million CFA francs. Lawmakers also passed a provision that penalises anyone who accuses another person of same-sex offences without proof, further complicating the situation for the LGBTQ community.
This legislative move is part of an ongoing crackdown on the gay community in Senegal. Since February, dozens of men have been arrested under the country’s anti-LGBTQ laws. The police have made arrests based on accusations and phone searches, with the names of detainees often publicly disclosed. High-profile arrests, including those of local celebrities, have fueled heated debates in the country.
During the parliamentary debate, lawmaker Diaraye Ba declared, “Homosexuals will no longer breathe in this country. Homosexuals will no longer have freedom of expression in this country,” drawing applause from some of her colleagues. The bill’s supporters argue that the law is necessary to protect the country’s cultural and moral values, which many see as rooted in Senegal’s Muslim-majority society.
Opponents, however, argue that the law is a dangerous step toward further isolating the LGBTQ community and exacerbating a culture of discrimination. The law has also drawn attention to the link between recent arrests and accusations of HIV transmission, adding fuel to the already fierce debate surrounding same-sex relations.
The law has been met with significant opposition from human rights groups, who view it as part of a wider trend of criminalising LGBTQ communities across Africa.
Senegal’s position on homosexuality aligns with the stance of many African nations, as at least 32 of the continent’s 54 countries have laws punishing same-sex acts. In some countries, such as Uganda, Mauritania, and Somalia, the death penalty is imposed.
