Senegal Lawmakers Approve Bill Increasing Homosexuality Prison Terms

Senegal’s parliament has approved a new bill that doubles prison sentences for homosexual acts, making the largely Muslim West African nation the latest African country to impose harsher penalties on the LGBTQ+ community.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko introduced the bill to parliament last month. The legislation describes homosexual acts as being “against nature” and increases punishment for those convicted from prison sentences of one to five years to between five and 10 years.

According to reports, nearly all lawmakers voted in favour of the bill during their Wednesday’s plenary session, with no opposition and three abstentions. The bill requires presidential approval before becoming law.

Naija News gathered that the proposed law punishes what it calls the “promotion” or “financing” of homosexuality in an attempt to crack down on organisations that support sexual and gender minorities.

The bill also raises fines for the offence to a maximum of 10 million CFA francs ($17,609) but retains the offence as a misdemeanour rather than a crime. During the parliamentary session, ministers argued that the previous 1966 law was too lenient.

Law Groups Homosexuality With Other Offences

The proposed law classifies homosexuality along with necrophilia and bestiality under “acts against nature” offences. However, it also punishes anyone who accuses a person of homosexual acts “without proof.”

Meanwhile, more than 30 of Africa’s 54 countries criminalize same sex sexual acts. Senegal has now joined countries such as Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania, where penalties can include 10 or more years of imprisonment. In Somalia, Uganda and Mauritania, the offence can carry the death penalty.

Religious Groups Support New Measure

In support of the new bill, Groups promoting Islamic values have organised rallies in recent weeks. Police have also cracked down on alleged gay people and arrested at least a dozen individuals, according to reports.

The proposed law, which fulfils a campaign promise Sonko made while in opposition, will be seen as delivering on his campaign promises once it takes effect who previously tried but failed to introduce similar legislation.

The bill represents a significant hardening of Senegal’s stance on homosexuality, reflecting broader conservative social attitudes in the Muslim majority nation.

Rights advocates have expressed concern about the law’s impact on LGBTQ+ individuals and organisations working to support them.

The law awaits signature from Senegal’s president before taking effect.