Lawmakers in Senegal have approved new legislation that significantly increases criminal penalties for same-sex relations, intensifying the country’s already strict laws against homosexuality.
The bill was passed by the National Assembly yesterday with overwhelming support from lawmakers.
Under the new law, the maximum prison sentence for consensual same-sex relations will rise from five years to up to 10 years in prison, with fines increasing to as much as 10 million CFA francs (about $17,000).
The legislation also introduces penalties for individuals accused of promoting or financing homosexuality.
Supporters of the measure say it reflects Senegal’s cultural and religious values. Conservative civil society groups and religious organizations have long called for stricter enforcement of anti-homosexuality laws, and public demonstrations backing the bill have taken place in recent months.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who backed the measure, dismissed criticism from activists and Western governments during earlier debate on the proposal.
“Those in the opposition who are stirring things up will go to their Western masters and say, look how bad they are,” Sonko said, defending the move to strengthen penalties in the penal code.
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During debate on the measure, lawmaker Diaraye Ba used particularly strong language, saying homosexuals “should no longer be allowed to breathe in Senegal,” comments that drew criticism from rights groups.
Commentary in Senegalese media has broadly echoed the country’s conservative public sentiment on the issue.
“Homosexuality remains widely rejected in Senegalese society, where religion and tradition strongly shape public morality,” wrote commentators in Senegalese press coverage of the debate.
Other analysts said many Senegalese view the controversy as linked to international pressure. “Many Senegalese see the debate over homosexuality as tied to pressure from Western governments and NGOs,” one commentary noted.
Some commentators have also warned the legislation could carry diplomatic consequences, arguing that “the government must balance domestic opinion with the diplomatic consequences of hardening the law.”
Public opinion in Senegal has historically been strongly opposed to homosexuality. A 2013 Pew Research Center survey found that 97% of Senegalese respondents believed homosexuality should not be accepted by society, one of the highest levels of opposition recorded globally.
Analysts say these attitudes are shaped by a mix of religious beliefs, cultural norms and political discourse that often portrays LGBTQ rights as a Western import. In this context, politicians across the political spectrum have generally taken hardline positions on the issue.
The law is expected to be signed by the president before formally entering into force, making Senegal one of several African countries that have recently strengthened anti-LGBTQ legislation.
