Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has introduced a bill to parliament seeking to increase penalties for same-sex relations, proposing prison terms of up to 10 years if the law is passed.
The draft legislation, approved by cabinet last week and submitted to lawmakers on Tuesday, would double the current maximum sentence for same-sex conduct, which is presently punishable by one to five years in prison. Under the new proposal, those convicted could face between five and 10 years behind bars, with the harshest penalties applied in cases involving minors.
Addressing parliament, Sonko described same-sex relations as “acts against nature” and said the bill aims to strengthen existing laws without reclassifying the offence as a more serious crime. The proposal also introduces penalties of three to seven years in prison for individuals found to be promoting or advocating same-sex relationships, alongside fines of up to 10 million CFA francs (around $18,000).
In addition, the bill includes sanctions for people who falsely accuse others of homosexuality without evidence.
The move comes amid a recent wave of arrests linked to alleged same-sex relationships, with local media reporting around 30 detentions this month, including public figures and a journalist. Senegal remains a socially conservative country where debates over LGBT rights are highly contentious, with religious groups frequently calling for stricter laws and some portraying LGBT advocacy as foreign influence.
Human rights organisations have criticised the proposed legislation, warning it could worsen discrimination and abuses against sexual minorities. Parliament, dominated by Sonko’s Pastef party, is yet to set a date for debate and voting on the bill.
