politics
Senegal signs law doubling jail terms for same-sex relations
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has signed legislation that raises prison terms and fines for same-sex relations and related acts, drawing criticism from human rights and health organisations.
Mar 31st 2026 ยท Senegal
Insights
- The law was published in the official journal after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signed it on Tuesday.
- 'Acts against nature' are now punishable by five to ten years in prison, up from one to five years previously.
- Fines rise to 2 to 10 million CFA francs, about $3,500 to $17,600, from 100,000 to 1.5 million previously.
- Offenses remain classified as misdemeanors despite the higher penalties.
- Promoting or funding same-sex relations and making baseless allegations of such relations carry three to seven years in prison.
- Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko championed the bill and Parliament approved it with no votes against and three abstentions, and his party holds 130 of 165 seats.
- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, ILGA World and UNAIDS warned the law is deeply worrying and could deter people from seeking HIV and other health services.