Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has signed into law a controversial bill that doubles the maximum penalty for same-sex relations, making them punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The legislation also criminalises promoting or financing same-sex relationships, intensifying the country’s crackdown on its LGBTQ community.
The law, published in the official journal on Tuesday, passed overwhelmingly in the National Assembly on March 11, with 135 votes in favour, none opposed, and three abstentions. Acts defined as “against nature,” a term used for same-sex relations, now carry sentences ranging from five to 10 years, up from one to five previously. Promoters or financiers face three to seven years in prison, with fines from two million to 10 million CFA francs ($3,500–$17,600). Maximum penalties apply if the act involves a minor.
The move has drawn international concern. UN rights chief Volker Turk described the law as “deeply worrying,” saying it “flies in the face of sacrosanct human rights.” LGBTQ rights groups, including ILGA World, had urged President Faye to reject the bill, stressing the importance of protecting individual liberty.
The legislation comes amid a wave of arrests targeting men suspected of same-sex relations, including high-profile figures. Police have reportedly carried out detentions, phone searches, and public naming of alleged offenders since February. Religious organisations and certain political figures have advocated for stricter penalties, citing cultural and moral concerns.
