Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has signed into law new legislation significantly increasing penalties for same-sex relations, as the country intensifies its crackdown on LGBTQ individuals. The law, approved overwhelmingly by parliament and published in the official journal on Tuesday, raises the maximum prison sentence for same-sex relations referred to as “acts against nature” from five to 10 years. It also introduces new penalties of three to seven years in prison for individuals accused of promoting or financing same-sex relationships. The bill passed the National Assembly on March 11 with 135 votes in favor, none against, and three abstentions, reflecting broad political support.
It also imposes heavier fines ranging from two million to 10 million CFA francs (approximately $3,500 to $17,600), a sharp increase from previous penalties. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who previously pledged stricter measures against same-sex relations, played a key role in presenting the legislation to parliament. However, the offense remains classified as a misdemeanour under Senegalese law. The legislation comes amid a surge in arrests. Local media report that dozens of men have been detained since February, with some arrests reportedly based on accusations or phone searches. Authorities have also begun publicly naming suspects, raising concerns among rights groups. International reaction has been swift. Volker Turk described the law as “deeply worrying,” warning that it undermines fundamental human rights protections.
Advocacy groups, including ILGA World, had urged President Faye not to sign the bill, calling for respect for individual freedoms. However, the law reflects strong domestic support for tougher measures, driven in part by religious organizations in the predominantly Muslim country, where LGBTQ rights remain highly contentious and often framed as foreign influence. The law also includes provisions penalizing false accusations of same-sex conduct, while imposing the harshest penalties in cases involving minors. The move places Senegal among a growing number of countries tightening restrictions on LGBTQ rights, even as international pressure mounts for greater protections.
