Senegal lawmakers tighten anti-LGBTQ law

The African nation has already criminalized same-sex relations, but officials say the 1966 law is not strict enough

Senegal’s National Assembly on Wednesday approved a bill that significantly toughens punishment for homosexual acts, making it one of the latest African countries to tighten anti-LGBTQ laws.

The legislation, introduced by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, redefines homosexual conduct as an offense “against nature” and doubles possible prison terms from one to five years to five to ten years. Sonko has repeatedly criticized Western efforts to promote LGBTQ rights, calling them incompatible with Senegalese values.

The measure also expands penalties to include promoting or financing homosexuality, with fines of up to 10 million CFA francs (about $18,000) and potential criminal liability for those supporting LGBTQ causes.

The bill was passed with overwhelming support in the largely Muslim West African nation’s parliament, with three abstentions. It now awaits final approval by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

READ MORE: Senegal proposes tougher anti-LGBTQ law

Supporters of the law, including religious groups, have framed the legislation as a defense of traditional values. Senegal already criminalized same-sex relations under its penal code, but ministers have argued that the 1966 law was not tough enough.

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Human rights groups say police have already carried out a growing number of arrests under existing laws, including high-profile detentions of men suspected of same-sex conduct in recent weeks. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, have labeled the anti-LGBTQ measures “homophobic,” warning that the legislation could further endanger an already marginalized community.

Same-sex relations are criminalized in more than 30 African countries, including Uganda, which drew Western condemnation after passing an anti-LGBTQ law in May 2023. The legislation by the East African country allows the death penalty for certain same-sex acts and up to 20 years in prison for promoting homosexuality. The US responded with sanctions and removed Uganda from a key duty-free trade program, while the World Bank froze new loans.