Senegal Approves Tougher Anti-Gay law
Last update: March 12, 2026
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New legislation doubles prison terms for same-sex relations and criminalises promotion of homosexuality, sparking human rights concerns.
Senegal’s parliament has passed a law increasing the maximum prison term for same-sex sexual acts to 10 years and criminalising the “promotion” of homosexuality.
The vote was 135 in favour, none against, and three abstentions. The law will take effect once signed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The legislation, pushed by President Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, follows a wave of arrests last month over alleged same-sex relationships. Supporters argue the law reflects Senegalese cultural and religious values and could address public health concerns.
Human rights groups warn the law risks worsening discrimination, violence, and stigma against sexual minorities.
Experts say it could also undermine Senegal’s longstanding HIV prevention efforts, which have kept adult prevalence among the lowest in West Africa.
Critics note that criminalising same-sex relations will likely force LGBTQ+ people further into hiding and exacerbate social tensions, without stopping same-sex relationships.
The law aligns Senegal with other African countries that have introduced tougher anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Uganda, and potentially Ghana.
