Senegal approves tougher anti-homosexuality law with 10-year jail term

Senegal’s parliament has approved legislation that significantly strengthens penalties for same-sex relationships, increasing the maximum prison sentence from five to 10 years and criminalising the “promotion” of homosexuality.

The bill was passed with 135 votes in favour, none against and three abstentions. It will take effect once signed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The legislation fulfils a campaign promise made by the president and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

Government spokesperson Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarré defended the move amid international criticism, saying the law reflects public opinion and cultural values in Senegal. “The majority of Senegalese do not accept homosexuality. Our culture rejects it, and we are firmly opposed to it,” said Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarré.

However, human rights groups have condemned the measure. Human Rights Watch warned that criminalizing same-sex relations could increase discrimination, violence, and fear among sexual minorities.

Analysts and activists also caution that stricter laws could undermine public health efforts, particularly the fight against HIV. Dr Safiétou Thiam of the National Council for the Fight Against AIDS said the new measures risk reversing decades of progress in controlling the disease.

“We have managed to control the HIV epidemic and we are moving towards eliminating Aids as a public health problem in Senegal,” Dr Safiétou Thiam told BBC News Afrique. “But what is happening now risks undermining the results of 30 to 35 years of efforts in the fight against the disease.”

The development follows recent arrests linked to alleged same-sex relationships and comes amid a broader trend of stricter anti-LGBTQ+ laws across several African countries.