Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Tuesday pushed for a draft law that would double the maximum prison sentence for same-sex practices from five to 10 years, targeting what the government deems “unnatural conduct.”
During a speech to the Senegal National Assembly, Sonko said the law would cover all sexual acts between people of the same sex, with the maximum prison term applying to acts committed with anyone under the age of 21. Offenders could also face fines ranging from 2 million to 10 million CFA francs (approximately $3,590 to $17,953).
Sonko urged lawmakers across all parties to support the legislation, accusing Western countries of promoting LGBT rights in Senegal and creating political controversy. “Those in the opposition who are stirring things up will go to their Western masters and say, look how bad they are. They are repressing homosexuals,” he said.
The draft law has already been approved by Senegal’s council of ministers and awaits ratification by the national assembly; no vote date has yet been set.
Human rights groups have voiced concern. Larissa Kojoué, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, said the proposed legislation would further endanger individuals who already face significant stigma, increasing their exposure to violence and fear.
Earlier this month, Senegal’s elite police unit, the gendarmerie, charged 12 men with acts against nature and deliberate transmission of HIV, including two celebrities, triggering intense media coverage and public debate.
Sonko’s remarks come as other African nations also crack down on LGBT rights. In Uganda, police recently arrested two women accused of same-sex acts after allegedly being seen “openly kissing,” under the country’s strict anti-homosexuality law.
