Parliament doubles penalty for gay sex

Senegal’s parliament on Wednesday approved a new law that significantly increases penalties for same-sex relations, doubling the maximum prison sentence to 10 years as authorities intensify a crackdown on the country’s gay community.

The legislation, adopted by an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly, now awaits the signature of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye before it becomes law.

Lawmakers voted 135 in favour of the bill, with none opposed and three abstentions after several hours of debate.

Under the new provisions, individuals found guilty of engaging in same-sex relations—referred to in the law as “acts against nature”—could face between five and 10 years in prison.

Previously, the offence carried a sentence of one to five years. The bill also introduces prison terms of three to seven years for anyone found guilty of promoting, advocating for or financing same-sex relationships.

The legislation further increases financial penalties, with fines ranging from two million to 10 million CFA francs (about $3,500 to $17,600), compared with the earlier range of 100,000 to 1.5 million CFA francs.

The bill was presented to parliament by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who had previously pledged to strengthen laws against homosexuality.

Although the new legislation raises penalties, it still classifies same-sex relations as a misdemeanour, prompting criticism from some opposition figures who argue that Sonko did not go far enough to fulfill earlier promises to make it a more serious criminal offence.

Since February, authorities have arrested dozens of men under existing anti-LGBTQ laws.

The wave of arrests began after police detained 12 men, including two local celebrities, in what became the start of a series of high-profile crackdowns.

Reports indicate that many arrests have been based on accusations or phone searches, with the identities of detainees frequently published in local media.

The law also introduces penalties for individuals who falsely accuse others of same-sex offences without evidence, a clause intended to address growing concerns about public accusations circulating online.

Debate around LGBTQ issues has intensified in Senegal in recent years. Religious groups in the predominantly Muslim West African nation have organized demonstrations calling for stricter punishment of same-sex relations.

Many supporters of the new law argue that it protects traditional values, while critics say it risks encouraging discrimination and harassment.

Social media platforms in Senegal have recently been flooded with homophobic messages and calls to publicly identify individuals suspected of same-sex relationships, reflecting the increasingly heated national debate surrounding LGBTQ rights.

The death penalty is imposed in Uganda, Mauritania and Somalia. Approximately 10 countries or territories impose sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison, including Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania and Sierra Leone.