Senegal Lawmakers Approve Harsher Anti-LGBT Law

Senegal’s parliament has approved new legislation significantly strengthening criminal penalties related to same-sex relations, marking a major legal shift under the government elected in 2024.

Lawmakers voted 135 in favor, with zero against and three abstentions, to adopt the bill on Wednesday, completing the legislative process. The measure was a campaign pledge of the government led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

The legislation increases penalties for same-sex sexual acts and introduces criminal sanctions for individuals accused of promoting or financing homosexuality.

Senegal already criminalized same-sex sexual relations under its penal code. The provision, last amended in 1966, allowed courts to impose prison sentences of up to five years and fines reaching 1,500,000 CFA francs - about $2,676. Supporters of the new legislation argued that the existing law was too vague and insufficiently strict.

Under the revised statute, penalties increase substantially. Individuals convicted of acts categorized as “against nature” can now face prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines reaching 10 million CFA francs, roughly $17,700.

The law also restricts judicial discretion by preventing judges from granting suspended sentences or reducing prison terms below the minimum prescribed penalties.

The new legislation explicitly defines acts “against nature” as including homosexuality, bisexuality, “transsexuality,” zoophilia and necrophilia.

In addition to criminalizing sexual acts themselves, the law introduces penalties for those found to be promoting or financing such activities.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko accused Western countries of influencing the debate over LGBT rights in Senegal as he urged lawmakers to support the bill. He said some opposition figures would portray the law as repression to appeal to Western governments and lobbying groups, despite not genuinely supporting the criticism themselves.

The legislation reflects a broader shift in domestic policy under Senegal’s current government, which came to power in 2024 after campaigning on governance reform and social issues.

Backers of the measure argued the changes provide clearer legal definitions and stronger deterrence mechanisms, while the vote followed weeks of demonstrations organized by supporters of the legislation in the capital Dakar. Several rallies featured participants chanting “no to homosexuality” and carrying signs depicting rainbow symbols crossed out.

At the same time, human rights organizations have reported an increase in arrests linked to allegations of same-sex conduct.

Senegal’s new law reflects a wider legislative trend in parts of West Africa concerning regulations on same-sex relationships.

In 2025, Burkina Faso adopted legislation criminalizing same-sex sexual relations for the first time, with prison terms of up to five years.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in Ghana are considering legislation that would increase the maximum penalty for same-sex acts from three years to five years and introduce prison terms for the “wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities.”

The Senegal vote therefore aligns the country with a broader regional movement toward stricter legal frameworks addressing sexual conduct and public advocacy related to LGBTQ+ issues.