Senegal: President signs off on LGBTQ law doubling maximum jail term for same-sex relations

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Senegal has enacted a controversial new law that significantly toughens penalties for same-sex relations, a move that has drawn sharp international criticism while enjoying broad political support within the majority-Muslim country. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye formally signed the legislation after it was published in the official journal on Tuesday, finalizing a bill that parliament had approved on 11 March by an overwhelming margin — 135 votes in favor, none against, and three abstentions, according to RFI. With no legal challenge lodged, the measure took effect immediately.

The law, described by multiple outlets including Deutsche Welle and AllAfrica, revises the penal code to make what it terms "acts against nature of a sexual character between two persons of the same sex" punishable by five to ten years in prison, up from the previous one to five years. Fines have also been raised dramatically, now reaching up to 10 million CFA francs (roughly €15,200), as reported by RFI and Deutsche Welle. The maximum penalty applies if the act involves a minor, a point attributed to Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in AllAfrica's coverage.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of the law's enactment has been consistent across the four sources analyzed, each confirming the core facts: the doubling of prison sentences, increased fines, and the inclusion of new offenses related to promoting or funding same-sex relationships. Africa News, RFI, and Deutsche Welle all noted the law's contentious nature abroad versus its domestic popularity, while AllAfrica and Deutsche Welle highlighted the broad political consensus in Senegal's parliament. Africa News was the only outlet to report the first conviction under the new law, an event that occurred on 10 April, just days after the legislation took effect.

Key Claims

According to multiple sources, including AllAfrica, Deutsche Welle, and RFI, the new law carries prison sentences of five to ten years for same-sex relations, with fines reaching 10 million CFA francs. The maximum penalty applies if the act involves a minor, as stated by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, per AllAfrica. Those found guilty of "promoting" or funding same-sex relationships could face three to seven years in prison, as reported by all three outlets. The legislation also includes penalties for false accusations, with sentences of two to three years and fines, according to RFI.

The law has drawn criticism from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who called it "deeply worrying" and said it "flies in the face of the sacrosanct human rights," a quote carried by Africa News, Deutsche Welle, and AllAfrica. Human Rights Watch researcher Larissa Kojoué told The Associated Press that the law has created a climate of "constant fear," as reported by Africa News.

In a development reported solely by Africa News, a court in the Dakar suburb of Pikine-Guédiawaye on 10 April sentenced a 24-year-old labourer to six years in prison and a fine of 2 million CFA francs ($3,300) for "acts against nature and public indecency." This is described as the first conviction under the new law. Africa News also reported that local media have documented dozens of arrests related to anti-LGBTQ+ laws since February, though this claim has not been independently verified by other sources in this analysis.

Perspectives

Supporters of the law, as reflected in the parliamentary vote and statements from Prime Minister Sonko, argue that it reflects Senegal's cultural and religious values and addresses perceived threats to public morality. The government has framed the legislation as including safeguards, such as penalties for false accusations, which it says protect individuals from baseless claims.

Critics, including UN rights chief Volker Türk and Human Rights Watch, contend that the law criminalizes a vulnerable group and could deter people from seeking HIV/AIDS treatment and other health services, a concern noted by AllAfrica and Deutsche Welle. Human Rights Watch's Larissa Kojoué told the AP that the law has emboldened arrests, which she described as increasingly aggressive due to "backing from the state apparatus."

International observers have also pointed to a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ individuals and other perceived offenses, with RFI reporting that more than 30 people have been arrested since February on accusations linked to same-sex relations or the "voluntary transmission of HIV," including television personalities. Women accused of "lesbianism" have also been detained, according to RFI.

As Senegal implements this law, the international community's concerns remain at odds with domestic political realities, setting the stage for continued debate over human rights, cultural sovereignty, and public health in the West African nation.