Senegal Passes Stricter Anti-Homosexuality Law, Sparking Debate

Senegal’s National Assembly has approved a bill increasing penalties for same-sex relations, a move that has ignited controversy and raised concerns about human rights. The law, adopted on March 11, 2026, introduces punishments of five to ten years in prison for “unnatural acts,” a significant increase from the current penalty of one to five years Bloomberg.

Increased Penalties and Criminalization of Promotion

The new legislation likewise criminalizes the “promotion” of homosexuality within Senegal. The most severe penalties, five to ten years imprisonment, will be applied if the act is committed with a minor. This represents a hardening of stance on LGBTQ+ rights in a country often described as tolerant in many other respects Bloomberg.

Political Context and Public Opinion

The bill was personally initiated by Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who expressed pride in carrying the legislation Bloomberg. The political calculations of the Sonko camp, which came to power in 2024, are rooted in a sovereignist discourse and appear to reflect strong public opinion on the matter Bloomberg.

Recent Arrests and Concerns

The passage of the law follows recent arrests in February of fourteen individuals suspected of involvement in a child crime network with links to France, some of whom were accused of knowingly transmitting HIV. Opposition MP Thierno Alassane Sall, while not voting in favor of the law, characterized the approach as demagogic, referencing these arrests Bloomberg.

Ousmane Sonko’s Political Trajectory

Ousmane Sonko, currently serving as Senegal’s Prime Minister since April 2024, has been a prominent figure in Senegalese politics since becoming a candidate in the 2019 presidential election, where he placed third Wikipedia. He has also served as the leader of PASTEF since its founding in January 2014 and as the Mayor of Ziguinchor from February 10, 2022, to May 6, 2024 Wikipedia. Prior to his political career, Sonko worked as a tax official Wikipedia.

Relationship with President Faye

The new law comes amid a reported political rift between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko RFI. A general assembly of the “Diomaye Président” coalition on March 7, 2026, officially acknowledged this political separation Afrik.com.