DAKAR, Senegal — Parliament members in Senegal have given final approval to legislation that significantly increases penalties for homosexual conduct in this predominantly Muslim West African country.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko introduced the legislation to parliament last month, with the new law characterizing homosexual conduct as “against nature.” The measure increases prison terms for those found guilty from the current range of one to five years to a new range of five to 10 years behind bars.
The parliamentary vote was decisive, with 135 legislators supporting the measure while none opposed it. Only three members chose to abstain from voting.
The updated legislation also establishes penalties for what it terms the “promotion” or “financing” of homosexuality, targeting organizations that advocate for sexual and gender minority rights.
Financial penalties have been increased substantially, with maximum fines now reaching 10 million CFA francs (equivalent to $17,609). However, lawmakers maintained the classification of these offenses as misdemeanors rather than upgrading them to felonies. Government ministers defended the changes during parliamentary debate, claiming the existing 1966 legislation was insufficiently strict.
The revised law includes provisions that penalize individuals who make accusations of homosexual conduct “without proof” against others.
Islamic advocacy organizations have staged public demonstrations supporting the legislation in recent weeks, while law enforcement has intensified enforcement actions against suspected gay individuals, resulting in at least twelve arrests.
The legislation represents the fulfillment of a campaign pledge made by the prime minister, who had previously attempted unsuccessfully to advance similar measures while serving in opposition.
