Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has signed into law new legislation that doubles the maximum penalty for same‑sex relations, making such acts punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The bill was passed by a large majority in the National Assembly earlier this month and was formally signed into law and published in the official government journal. Under the updated legislation, “acts against nature” — the term used to describe same‑sex relations — are punishable by between five and 10 years in prison, up from the previous one to five years.
The law also criminalises actions related to promoting, supporting or financing same‑sex relationships, imposing prison terms of three to seven years for those found guilty. Fines for offences have been increased to between two million and 10 million CFA francs.
Supporters of the law say it reflects the country’s conservative values, while critics, including international human rights officials, have expressed concern that the legislation undermines fundamental rights and could fuel discrimination and fear among LGBTQ communities.
The new penalties take effect immediately as part of Senegal’s continued enforcement of anti‑LGBTQ laws.
