Senegal Prime Minister Pushes Anti-LGBT Law, Doubling Prison Terms

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Tuesday called for lawmakers to support a new law that would toughen penalties for same-sex relations in the country.

The proposed law, which has already passed the council of ministers, is now awaiting a vote in the National Assembly. If passed, it would increase the maximum prison sentence for "unnatural acts" between consenting adults from five years to 10 years.

The bill also expands legal penalties to include anyone under 21 engaged in same-sex conduct, with fines ranging from 2 million to 10 million CFA francs (roughly $3,600–$18,000).

• Senegal Prime Minister Sonko proposes tougher penalties for same-sex relations
• New anti-LGBT bill in Senegal increases prison terms, fines for same-sex conduct
• Human rights groups condemn Senegal's proposed anti-LGBT law, fearing increased discrimination

Sonko, who became prime minister following his party's victory in 2024, defended the bill as a safeguard for Senegalese values. He accused Western countries of pressuring African nations to accept LGBT rights and urged Senegal to resist foreign influence.

Human rights groups have condemned the bill, warning it would marginalize an already vulnerable LGBT community facing discrimination and violence. Same-sex relations have been illegal in Senegal since the 1960s, with sentences of up to five years and fines. The proposed law is part of broader regional debates over LGBT rights, with neighboring countries also considering restrictive measures.

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The National Assembly has not yet set a date for the vote, but Sonko’s party holds a majority, making the law’s passage likely. The draft law’s progress highlights ongoing political tensions over LGBT rights in the region.