- Senegal’s government has tabled a bill seeking tougher penalties for same-sex relations.
- The proposed law would raise prison terms from the current one to five years to five to 10 years.
- Cases involving minors would attract the maximum sentence.
- The bill also targets those accused of promoting same-sex relations.
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has presented a new bill to parliament that could significantly increase penalties for same-sex relations. The proposal, approved by the cabinet last week, was formally introduced to lawmakers on Tuesday.
If passed, the law would revise existing provisions and raise the maximum prison sentence from five years to 10 years. Same-sex relations are already criminalised in Senegal under current legislation.
While addressing parliament, Sonko explained that the draft defines same-sex relations as “acts against nature.” Under the proposal, individuals found guilty could face between five and 10 years behind bars, compared to the current range of one to five years.
He added that cases involving minors would attract the harshest possible sentence. In addition to prison terms, those convicted could be fined up to 10 million CFA francs, which is roughly 18,000 US dollars.
The bill also includes penalties of three to seven years for individuals accused of promoting or advocating same-sex relations. At the same time, it outlines punishment for people who falsely accuse others of homosexuality without evidence.
The proposed changes come amid increased enforcement of existing laws. Earlier this month, police detained 12 men, including two well-known public figures and a journalist. Local media reports indicate that around 30 people have been arrested over alleged same-sex relations during the same period.
The debate around LGBT rights has long been sensitive in Senegal, a socially conservative nation. Religious groups have in recent years organised protests calling for stricter measures, while rights activists have criticised the growing clampdown.
The bill now awaits debate and voting in parliament. If approved, it would mark a significant tightening of Senegal’s laws on same-sex relations.
As discussions continue, the issue remains deeply divisive, reflecting broader tensions between cultural values, legal reform, and human rights concerns within the country.
