By Paul Joseph
Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has introduced legislation that could double the maximum prison sentence for same-sex relations, raising it to 10 years if passed into law.
The proposal was transmitted to parliament on Tuesday after receiving cabinet approval last week. It follows a recent wave of arrests linked to alleged same-sex relationships, which are already prohibited under Senegalese law.
Addressing lawmakers, Sonko said the draft bill seeks to amend existing provisions by prescribing prison terms ranging from five to 10 years for what it describes as “acts against nature,” compared with the current penalties of one to five years.
“If an act is committed with a minor, it will attract the maximum penalty,” the prime minister told parliament.
The bill further defines any sexual conduct between two people of the same sex as an “act against nature.” It also proposes prison sentences of three to seven years for individuals found to be promoting or advocating same-sex relations.
In addition, the legislation prescribes separate punishment for those who accuse others of homosexuality “without proof.”
Offenders convicted under the proposed law could face fines of up to 10 million CFA francs (approximately $18,000 or £13,000), according to Sonko. However, he noted that the revised law would maintain the offence at its current misdemeanour classification.
“We can achieve the intended objectives without going so far as to elevate the acts to the level of more serious crimes,” he said.
The debate over LGBT rights has long stirred tensions in Senegal, a socially conservative and predominantly Muslim country where some groups portray pro-LGBT activism as foreign interference. Religious organisations have staged demonstrations in recent years demanding stricter penalties.
Earlier this month, police reportedly detained 12 men, including two public figures and a prominent journalist, under anti-LGBT laws. Local media outlets estimate that around 30 people have been arrested in total this month.
The proposed legislation has drawn criticism from rights advocates. Human Rights Watch said the recent crackdown violates “multiple internationally protected rights,” including equality and nondiscrimination.
A date has yet to be fixed for parliament to vote on the bill, which will be considered in a chamber controlled by Sonko’s ruling Pastef party.
Senegal’s move reflects a broader trend across parts of Africa. In 2023, Uganda enacted some of the world’s toughest anti-homosexuality laws, including provisions allowing the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
In September last year, Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament approved a ban on homosexual acts, following similar legislation passed in 2024 by Mali.
As debate intensifies in Dakar, the proposed amendments are expected to further ignite discussion both domestically and internationally over human rights and legal reform in Senegal.
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