Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has signed legislation doubling the maximum prison sentence for same-sex relations, making them punishable by up to 10 years amid a crackdown on the country’s gay community.
The law, signed Monday and published in the official journal on Tuesday, passed the National Assembly of Senegal by an overwhelming majority. It also criminalises promoting or financing same-sex relationships.
UN rights chief Volker Turk described the legislation as “deeply worrying” and said it “flies in the face of sacrosanct human rights.”
Under the law, “acts against nature,” a term used for same-sex relations, are now punishable by five to 10 years in prison, compared with one to five years previously. Promoting or financing same-sex relationships carries three to seven years in prison. The maximum sentence applies if the act involves a minor. Fines have also been raised from 100,000–1.5 million CFA francs ($175–$2,600) to 2–10 million CFA francs ($3,500–$17,600).
Since February, dozens of men have been arrested under Senegal’s anti-LGBTQ laws, often following accusations and phone searches, with names of detainees made public. The law also penalises anyone who accuses another of same-sex offences “without proof.”
The bill, presented by former prime minister Ousmane Sonko, now prime minister was approved on March 11 by a vote of 135 in favour, none opposed, and three abstentions. While it increases penalties, it maintains same-sex relations as a misdemeanour.
Human rights organisations, including UNAIDS and LGBTQ advocacy group ILGA World, expressed concern, warning that criminalisation drives people away from essential health services and violates individual liberty.
Senegal, a Muslim-majority country, has seen religious groups and public figures push for tougher penalties on LGBTQ activities, framing gay rights advocacy as a foreign imposition.
Across Africa, at least 32 countries criminalise same-sex relations, with Uganda, Mauritania, and Somalia imposing the death penalty, and others including Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone sentencing offenders to 10 years or more.
AFP
