Senegal has passed a controversial new law increasing penalties for same-sex relations, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signing legislation that raises the maximum prison sentence from five to 10 years.
The law, approved by an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly of Senegal, also imposes jail terms of three to seven years for individuals found guilty of promoting or financing same-sex relationships. It further introduces fines ranging from two million to 10 million CFA francs.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, condemned the move as “deeply worrying,” warning that it undermines fundamental human rights protections.
The legislation follows a recent wave of arrests under existing anti-LGBTQ laws, with reports indicating that dozens of individuals have been detained since February, often based on accusations and phone searches.
Despite calls from advocacy groups such as ILGA World urging the president not to sign the bill, the government proceeded, citing strong domestic support. Religious groups in the predominantly Muslim country have also pushed for stricter measures, framing LGBTQ advocacy as foreign influence.
The bill was introduced by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and passed with 135 votes in favour, none against, and three abstentions. While penalties have been increased, the offence remains classified as a misdemeanour under Senegalese law.