Senegal Approves Stricter Anti-LGBTQ+ Law, Sparking International Condemnation

Senegal’s parliament has approved a new law that significantly increases penalties for same-sex relations and criminalizes the promotion of homosexuality, drawing sharp criticism from international human rights organizations and the United Nations. The legislation, a key campaign promise of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, was passed with 135 votes in favor, no votes against, and three abstentions.

Increased Penalties and Broad Criminalization

The new law doubles the maximum prison sentence for consensual same-sex relations to 10 years. It also introduces penalties for the “promotion” of homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality, potentially impacting freedom of expression and the work of LGBTQ+ rights organizations. The bill now awaits President Faye’s signature to become law.

International Response and Concerns

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has expressed “deep concern” over the legislation, urging President Faye not to sign it into law. Türk stated the law violates fundamental human rights, including the rights to respect, dignity, privacy, equality, freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international treaties to which Senegal is a party. Source

Türk warned that the law could lead to increased hate crimes, abuse, arbitrary arrests, blackmail, and discrimination in areas such as education, healthcare, employment, and housing. He also highlighted the potential restrictions on human rights defenders, the media, and freedom of expression. Source

UNAIDS has also voiced concerns, emphasizing the potential negative impact on Senegal’s public health gains, particularly in its response to HIV. The agency urged the President not to sign the law, noting that criminalization can drive people away from essential health services and increase stigma and discrimination. Source Senegal has seen a 36% increase in new HIV infections between 2010 and 2024, making it one of only four countries in West and Central Africa to experience such a rise. Source

Government Response and Public Opinion

The Senegalese government has defended the legislation, arguing it reflects the views of the majority of the population. Government spokesman Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarré stated that “the majority of Senegalese do not accept homosexuality” and that the country’s culture firmly rejects it. Source

Conservative activists, such as the movement And Sàmm Jikko Yi, have long advocated for stricter laws criminalizing homosexual acts, citing the necessitate to protect Senegalese cultural and religious norms. Source

Rights Groups’ Warnings

Human Rights Watch researcher Larissa Kojoué warned that criminalizing same-sex conduct and arresting individuals based on their sexual orientation violates internationally protected rights, including equality and non-discrimination. Source Rights groups fear the new law will exacerbate discrimination and violence against sexual minorities. Source

Volker Türk also commented on the bill via X (formerly Twitter), expressing his concerns. Source