Senegal’s new law doubles jail terms for same-sex relations, drawing global outcry

The legislation, approved overwhelmingly by Senegal’s National Assembly in March, also criminalizes what it describes as the “promotion” of homosexuality, including public advocacy and financial backing by individuals or organizations. Offenders under this provision face between three and seven years in prison.

The law delivers on a key campaign pledge by President Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, reflecting a broader political stance that authorities say aligns with public sentiment. The government has defended the move despite mounting international criticism, insisting it mirrors “the values of Senegalese society.”

However, the decision has drawn sharp rebuke from global rights bodies. Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, described the measure as “deeply worrying,” warning that it “flies in the face of sacrosanct human rights.” Advocacy groups, including Human Rights Watch, have also flagged a recent rise in hostility toward LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.

The law follows a wave of arrests earlier this year, including the charging of 12 men with “acts against nature”, underscoring an intensifying crackdown even before the legislative change.

Senegal’s move mirrors a broader regional trend as countries such as Uganda and Burkina Faso have enacted or advanced restrictive laws similarly in recent years, with Uganda introducing some of the harshest penalties globally in 2023.

While the legislation carries no direct monetary implications, analysts warn it could indirectly affect Senegal’s investment climate and relationships with Western partners, where ESG standards and human rights considerations increasingly shape capital flows. (Business Insider)