Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has introduced a draft law that would significantly toughen penalties for same-sex relations in Senegal, proposing prison terms of up to 10 years if approved by parliament.
The bill, submitted this week after cabinet endorsement, seeks to amend existing legislation that already criminalises same-sex relationships. Under current law, offenders face between one and five years in prison. The proposed reforms would raise that range to five to 10 years.
Tougher penalties and broader provisions
Addressing lawmakers, Sonko said the draft defines same-sex relations as “acts against nature” and includes harsher punishment where minors are involved, which would attract the maximum sentence.
The legislation also introduces penalties for individuals accused of promoting or advocating same-sex relationships, with proposed prison terms of three to seven years. Convictions under the bill could additionally carry fines of up to 10 million CFA francs (about $18,000).
At the same time, the proposal maintains the offence at the misdemeanour level rather than upgrading it to a more serious criminal classification.
Arrests and rising tensions
The proposed changes come amid a recent wave of arrests. Local media report that about 30 people have been detained this month under existing anti-LGBT laws, including several public figures and a journalist.
Debate over LGBT rights has long been contentious in the predominantly Muslim country, where religious groups have repeatedly staged demonstrations demanding stricter penalties.
Rights concerns and regional trend
Human rights organisations have criticised the move. Human Rights Watch said the recent crackdown violates fundamental rights, including equality and protection from discrimination.
Senegal’s proposed law reflects a broader regional trend. In recent years, several African countries have tightened anti-LGBT legislation, including Uganda, which passed one of the world’s harshest laws in 2023, and neighbouring Sahel states that have also adopted similar measures.
A parliamentary vote date on Senegal’s bill has not yet been announced, though the chamber is controlled by Sonko’s ruling party.
