DAKAR, Senegal — A judicial court in Senegal has delivered the nation’s initial conviction under recently enacted legislation that strengthens penalties for homosexual conduct.
On Friday, a court located in the Dakar suburb of Pikine-Guédiawaye handed down a six-year prison sentence to a 24-year-old worker, along with a fine of 2 million CFA francs (approximately $3,300) for “acts against nature and public indecency.” The individual had been taken into custody earlier this month.
The West African nation, where Islam is the predominant religion, joins other African countries implementing stricter measures against LGBTQ+ individuals. Under the new legislation, prison terms now range from five to 10 years.
The statute additionally targets what it describes as the “promotion” or “financing” of homosexuality, which appears designed to target organizations that advocate for sexual and gender minorities.
Speaking to The Associated Press on Monday, Human Rights Watch researcher Larissa Kojoué said the legislation has fostered an atmosphere of “constant fear” and noted that arrests have become more aggressive “because now there is backing from the state apparatus.”
Across Africa’s 54 nations, more than 30 have laws criminalizing homosexual conduct. Countries including Somalia, Uganda, and Mauritania impose capital punishment for such offenses.
