US EditionAs Senegal cracks down on homosexuality, gay people say they suffer
- On March 11, Senegal's parliament approved legislation that doubles the prison term to 10 years and criminalizes activities authorities call the 'promotion' of homosexuality, pending Faye's signature.
- Following 2024 campaign pledges, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko promised stronger laws on same-sex relations, while And Samm Djiko Yi led protests against a perceived 'homosexual agenda'.
- Under the amended text of Article 319, the vote recorded 135 votes in favour, none against, and three abstention, raising fines from 1.5 million CFA francs to as much as 10 million CFA francs, with dozens of arrests reported since early February.
- Rights groups warn that conditions have worsened as Free Senegal closed a Dakar safe house in 2025, while LGBTQ+ people in Senegal face fear, rejection, and some flee to France.
- Regionally, Reuters reported that Senegalese activists discussed strategy with MassResistance, Massachusetts-based organisation, in 2024, amid a wider trend of over half of African states criminalising homosexuality, citing violent incidents in Kaolack.
14 Articles
14 Articles
The West African country, which entered into a homophobic wave after two criminal cases at the beginning of February, has just adopted draconian anti-LGBT laws. An oppressive atmosphere that threatens the fight against HIV "We can't eat or sleep, we're stressed, we're tired. I stay at home, I'm locked up. I turn on television, my phone, everything," says Momo*, a young man whose life has become a calvary in Dakar, Senegal's capital. Parliament h…
Senegal passes law doubling prison sentence for same-sex relations to 10 years
Same-sex relations were already illegal in Senegal, where the previous law allowed prison sentences of up to five years The post Senegal passes law doubling prison sentence for same-sex relations to 10 years appeared first on Attitude.
Associated Press News
As Senegal cracks down on homosexuality, gay people say they suffer
Senegal is tightening its crackdown on gay people, and activists say fear is spreading. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has sought tougher prison penalties for “unnatural acts," with a maximum of 10 years behind bars.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner warns Senegal against the law doubling the penalties for homosexual relations, highlighting the risks of discrimination and violations of human rights. Article Anti-LGBT law: the Office of the UN High Commissioner alerts Senegal first appeared on Association STOP homophobia.
Report Reveals US Lobbyists Behind Senegal Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
US-based lobbyists who have previously labelled homosexuality a public health threat have reportedly advised Senegalese officials on strategies to advance stricter anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, following the country’s recent move to increase penalties for same-sex relations. Earlier this month, Senegal’s National Assembly drew international condemnation after passing a bill that doubles the maximum sentence for same-sex relationships. […] The post Re…
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