Senegal Lawmakers Pass Tougher Anti-LGBT Law After Vote

Senegal’s parliament has approved a law increasing penalties for same-sex relations and related activities, strengthening one of the strictest legal positions on homosexuality in West Africa.

Lawmakers approved the bill on Wednesday with 135 votes in favour, none against and three abstentions. The legislation increases the maximum prison sentence for same-sex sexual acts from five years to ten years and raises fines for those convicted under the new anti-LGBT law.

The new law also criminalises what authorities describe as the promotion of homosexuality, including financial or organisational support, along with activities considered illegal under the country’s penal code. Courts will not be allowed to reduce sentences below the minimum punishment or suspend sentences for offences covered under the new provisions.

• Senegal parliament passes stricter law on same-sex relations
• New legislation doubles prison terms under anti-LGBT law
• Rights groups warn of rising discrimination in West Africa

The legislation replaces a statute introduced in 1966 that banned same-sex relations but carried lighter penalties and less detailed legal definitions. Under the earlier law, those convicted faced up to five years in prison and smaller financial penalties under the Senegal penal code.

The bill was supported by the government of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. During their political campaign, leaders from the ruling coalition said they would strengthen legal restrictions on homosexuality and reinforce Senegal laws on homosexuality.

Supporters in parliament said the legislation reflects Senegal’s cultural values and strengthens the country’s legal framework on morality and social conduct. Political and religious groups had also called for stricter measures in recent months.

Public demonstrations were held in the capital Dakar and other parts of the country before the parliamentary vote. Several rallies organised by religious organisations and civil groups urged lawmakers to adopt stronger LGBT legislation in Senegal and formalise stricter legal provisions.

Human rights organisations criticised the legislation, saying the new LGBT crackdown in Senegal could increase discrimination and legal risks for LGBT people in Senegal. Activists also reported arrests linked to accusations of same-sex relations in recent months under charges such as “acts against nature” or alleged HIV transmission.

The development follows a wider pattern in West Africa. Several countries in the region have recently debated or introduced anti-LGBT legislation in West Africa, including restrictions adopted in Burkina Faso and proposed measures in Ghana.

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With the parliamentary vote completed, the legislation will move through Senegal’s legal process, reinforcing the country’s strict stance on same-sex relations and expanding criminal penalties for homosexuality.