President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has signed legislation that doubles the maximum prison sentence for same sex acts from five to 10 years….reports Newsdesk
Senegal has enacted a sweeping new law that significantly toughens penalties against same sex relationships, drawing strong international criticism.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has signed legislation that doubles the maximum prison sentence for same sex acts from five to 10 years. The law also criminalises what it describes as the “promotion” of homosexuality, covering public representation as well as financial or organisational support, with offenders facing between three and seven years in jail.
The measure fulfils a key campaign pledge by President Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. It was passed last month by Senegal’s National Assembly with overwhelming support, with 135 lawmakers voting in favour, none against and three abstaining.
The legislation comes amid a wider crackdown. Same sex relations were already illegal in Senegal, but the issue has gained renewed attention following a series of arrests. In February, authorities detained 12 men, including a journalist and two public figures, on charges described as “acts against nature”.
The move has sparked condemnation from international bodies. UN human rights chief Volker Türk called the law “deeply worrying”, warning that it runs counter to fundamental human rights principles. Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have also reported rising hostility towards LGBT people and urged the government to reconsider.
Senegal’s government has rejected the criticism, insisting the law reflects the values of its society, according to the BBC.
The development mirrors a broader trend across parts of Africa. Countries including Uganda, Burkina Faso and Ghanahave either passed or are considering similarly strict measures targeting LGBTQ+ communities, raising growing concerns among rights advocates.
