Senegal parliament doubles penalty for gay sex
On Wed, Oct 11, 2023, Senegal's parliament approved legislation increasing the maximum penalty for same-sex relations to 10 years in prison. This legislative change is part of a broader governmental crackdown on LGBTQ+ activities within the nation.
On Wed, Oct 11, 2023, Senegal's parliament approved legislation increasing the maximum penalty for same-sex relations to 10 years in prison. This legislative change is part of a broader governmental crackdown on LGBTQ+ activities within the nation.
The bill, pending presidential approval by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was passed with significant support in the National Assembly. It introduces criminal penalties for individuals found promoting or financially supporting same-sex relationships.
The new legislation increases the punishment for "acts against nature," a term used to describe same-sex relations, from the previous one to five years' imprisonment to a range of five to 10 years. The law also stipulates a prison term of three to seven years for advocacy of same-sex relations.
Enforcement has reportedly involved arrests based on accusations and phone searches, with names of detainees often being publicized. The legislation includes penalties for individuals who make false accusations of same-sex offences without evidence.
On Wed, Oct 11, 2023, Senegal's parliament approved legislation increasing the maximum penalty for same-sex relations to 10 years in prison.
The bill passed with a vote of 135 in favor, none opposed, and three abstentions. It mandates the maximum sentence be applied if the act involves a minor and introduces fines ranging from two million to 10 million CFA francs (approximately $3,500 to $17,600), up from the previous 100,000 to 1.5 million CFA francs.
This legislative move occurs amid ongoing controversy over LGBTQ+ rights in Senegal, where advocacy for such rights is often criticized as foreign influence. Religious groups have advocated for stricter penalties, and social media has been rife with homophobic sentiments and public accusations.
The legislation maintains the classification of same-sex relations as a misdemeanour, despite earlier promises by influential political figures, such as Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, to elevate it to a criminal offense.
Senegal's stance is not isolated, as 32 out of Africa's 54 countries have laws penalizing same-sex relations, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to the death penalty in some nations like Uganda, Mauritania, and Somalia.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
