Political situation in Senegal

New law: Homosexuals in Senegal can be imprisoned for ten years

The parliament in Senegal has approved a tougher punishment for homosexuals, reports AP. The bill means that LGBTQI people can be imprisoned for up to ten years, which is a doubling of the current sentence. It could also become illegal to be an LGBTQI activist and opinion leader.

The law was hammered through the National Assembly by 135 votes to zero, according to Reuters. However, three people abstained. For the law to come into force, it must be signed by the country's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

In recent weeks, groups that claim to defend Islamic values ​​have organized demonstrations in support of the new law. At the same time, police have cracked down on people suspected of being homosexuals and arrested at least a dozen people.

Politician: Homosexuals will not be allowed to breathe in Senegal

Homosexuals will “no longer” breathe in this country, Senegalese politician Diaraye Ba told the country’s National Assembly, according to France 24. Parliament then hammered through tougher laws for homosexuals, which, among other things, mean that they risk up to ten years in prison.

“Homosexuals will no longer have freedom of expression in this country,” Diaraye Ba continued.

Senegal is one of a number of African countries that have made it more difficult for LGBTQI people to live openly. Social media has been flooded with intense hate campaigns against LGBTQI people and calls to expose people accused of same-sex relationships.

When Ousmane Sonko was elected as the country’s prime minister in 2024, one of his most popular promises was to make same-sex relationships illegal.