Senegal’s parliament has approved a controversial bill that significantly toughens penalties for same-sex relations, increasing the maximum prison sentence to 10 years and introducing new provisions criminalising the “promotion” of homosexuality. The measure, which has triggered sharp criticism from international human rights groups, was passed with overwhelming support from lawmakers.
During the parliamentary vote, 135 members backed the legislation while none opposed it. Three lawmakers abstained. The bill will now be forwarded to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for final approval before it can formally become law.
The legislation fulfils a campaign pledge made by President Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who had both vowed to strengthen existing laws against same-sex relationships. Homosexuality was already illegal in Senegal, but the new bill expands the scope of criminal penalties and increases the severity of punishment. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny following a wave of arrests linked to alleged same-sex relationships across the country.
Last month, authorities detained 12 men on accusations of engaging in same-sex relations. Among those arrested were two public figures and a well-known journalist, drawing national attention and reigniting debate over the treatment of sexual minorities in Senegal.
The government has defended the legislation as a reflection of prevailing social attitudes in the predominantly Muslim West African nation. Government spokesperson Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarré said the law aligns with the views and cultural values of most Senegalese citizens.
“The majority of Senegalese do not accept homosexuality. Our culture rejects it and we are firmly opposed to it,” Sarré said while responding to international criticism.
For years, conservative groups in Senegal have been campaigning for stronger legal measures against homosexuality. One such organisation, And Sàmm Jikko Yi, which advocates for the protection of what it calls Senegalese moral values, has repeatedly urged authorities to introduce harsher laws. The group maintains that stricter legislation is necessary to preserve the country’s cultural and religious traditions.
However, rights organisations have warned that the new measure could deepen discrimination against sexual minorities and increase the risk of violence. Critics argue that criminalising sexual orientation and same-sex conduct violates fundamental rights, including equality and freedom from discrimination.
Larissa Kojoué, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, described the development as deeply troubling. She said laws that target people because of their sexual orientation undermine internationally recognised human rights protections.
“Criminalising same-sex conduct and arresting people for their sexual orientation violates multiple internationally protected rights, including equality and non-discrimination,” she said, adding that the legislation could expose already marginalised individuals to greater fear and violence.
Alioune Tine, founder of the Afrikajom Center think tank, also cautioned that the current political and social climate could intensify tensions in the country. While acknowledging that social concerns need to be addressed, he stressed that legislation should also respect human rights principles and safeguard public health initiatives.
Others within the LGBTQ community say the law will not eliminate same-sex relationships but will simply drive them further underground. Charles Dotou, head of the Senegal LGBTQ Association and a medical doctor, said many such relationships already remain hidden due to social stigma and cultural pressure.
He noted that some individuals continue same-sex relationships privately despite being married or living within conventional family structures. According to him, the stricter law is likely to increase fear within the community rather than change behaviour.
“All that will happen is people will hide more. It will create more fear and people will be scared to live normally,” Dotou said, warning that the situation could lead to an exodus of individuals who feel particularly vulnerable.
As the bill awaits the president’s signature, the debate surrounding the law highlights the ongoing tension between cultural norms and international human rights standards in Senegal. Rights advocates have urged the government to reconsider the legislation, warning that its implementation could have far-reaching consequences for social cohesion and civil liberties in the country.
