Senegal’s president has approved a law increasing prison terms for same-sex acts and banning the promotion of homosexuality. The legislation expands penalties and follows earlier campaign promises by national leaders. International human rights groups have criticised the move, citing concerns over fundamental freedoms.
Senegal’s president has approved a new anti-LGBT law that doubles the maximum prison sentence for same-sex sexual acts to 10 years and criminalises the promotion of homosexuality, according to an official government statement. The decision allows the law to take immediate effect following its passage by lawmakers earlier this month.
The bill had been overwhelmingly supported by Senegalese lawmakers, but President Bassirou Diomaye Faye faced pressure from international human rights groups not to sign it. Despite these concerns, the government confirmed that both the president and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko approved the legislation on Friday. The statement was dated Monday and later distributed by a government spokesperson on Tuesday.
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Before this amendment, Senegal’s penal code already included provisions criminalising same-sex acts. The existing law allowed for prison sentences of up to five years and fines of up to 1,500,000 CFA francs, equivalent to approximately $2,700. The newly approved legislation significantly increases these penalties.
Under the revised law, the maximum prison term has been doubled to 10 years. It also raises the financial penalties, allowing courts to impose fines of up to 10 million CFA francs. The law further clarifies that “acts against nature” refer to homosexuality, bisexuality, transsexuality, zoophilia and necrophilia.
In addition to harsher penalties for same-sex acts, the new law introduces measures targeting individuals or groups involved in promoting or financing such activities. Those found guilty under these provisions could also face imprisonment, expanding the scope of enforcement beyond individuals directly involved in same-sex relationships.
The law’s approval comes after commitments made during the 2024 election campaign. Both President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko had pledged to implement stricter anti-LGBT measures if elected. The enactment of this law marks the fulfillment of those campaign promises.
International reaction to the legislation has been critical. On March 12, the United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk publicly condemned the bill. He stated that it “flies in the face of the sacrosanct human rights we all enjoy,” including the rights to dignity, privacy, equality, and freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
Reports have also indicated that the campaign leading up to the law’s passage involved collaboration beyond Senegal. According to Reuters, some Senegalese supporters of the bill discussed campaign strategies and mobilisation efforts with a United States-based “pro-family” group. The group reportedly views homosexuality as a public health threat.
The period before the parliamentary vote saw an increase in arrests linked to alleged violations of the existing law. Authorities detained several men on suspicion of committing “acts against nature.” In some cases, individuals were also charged with the “voluntary transmission” of HIV, which carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years under Senegalese law.
The development highlights ongoing tensions between national legislative decisions and international human rights standards. While Senegal’s government has moved forward with stricter enforcement measures, global organisations continue to raise concerns about the implications for fundamental rights and freedoms.
