By Desmond Nleya
DUBAI-Senegal has introduced stricter legislation criminalising same-sex relations, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signing a new law that increases the maximum prison sentence from five to ten years.
The law, approved by an overwhelming majority in parliament, also imposes penalties on individuals found guilty of promoting or financing same-sex relationships. It was officially published earlier this week following its passage in the National Assembly.
Under the revised legal framework, so-called “acts against nature,” a term commonly used to refer to same-sex relations, are now punishable by five to ten years in prison, along with significantly higher fines. Those accused of supporting or facilitating such relationships face sentences ranging from three to seven years.
The legislation has drawn criticism from international human rights bodies. Volker Türk described the move as “deeply worrying,” warning that it undermines fundamental human rights protections.
Reports indicate that enforcement has already intensified, with dozens of arrests made since February. Authorities have reportedly relied on accusations and phone searches, with detainees’ identities frequently made public.
The law also introduces penalties for individuals who falsely accuse others of same-sex conduct without evidence, while imposing the harshest sentences in cases involving minors.
Advocacy groups, including ILGA World, had urged the government not to adopt the measure, calling instead for respect for individual freedoms.
The bill was presented to parliament by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who had previously pledged stricter laws on same-sex relations. Despite tougher penalties, the offence remains legally classified as a misdemeanour.
The issue continues to generate strong debate within Senegal, where many religious and social groups support stricter laws, often framing LGBTQ rights as foreign cultural influence.
