Senegal passes tougher anti-gay law, doubling prison terms to 10 years
March 12, 2026
2 min read
Parliament overwhelmingly approves bill that doubles jail terms for same-sex acts to 10 years as government cites cultural values and critics warn of rights violations and HIV setbacks. Photo Credit: REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
Senegal’s parliament has passed a tougher anti-gay law that doubles the maximum prison term for same-sex sexual acts to 10 years and criminalises the promotion of homosexuality.
Parliament voted 135 in favour, with zero against and three abstentions. The bill now awaits the signature of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to become law in the West African nation.
The legislation fulfils a campaign promise made by Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko after their government took power in 2024. It follows a recent wave of arrests over alleged same-sex relationships, which were already illegal.
Government spokesman Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarré defended the move, saying it reflects the views of most Senegalese. “The majority of Senegalese do not accept homosexuality. Our culture rejects it and we are firmly opposed to it,” he said.
Conservative groups including And Sàmm Jikko Yi have long demanded harsher penalties. Imam Babacar Sylla urged the president to sign the bill without delay to protect what they call Senegalese moral and religious values.
Rights groups raise alarm over discrimination
Human rights organisations have condemned the law. Human Rights Watch researcher Larissa Kojoué said criminalising same-sex conduct violates internationally protected rights to equality and non-discrimination. She warned it could expose already stigmatised people to greater violence and fear.
Charles Dotou, head of the Senegal LGBTQ Association, told BBC that same-sex relationships were already hidden. He predicted the law would create more fear, drive people underground and possibly trigger an exodus.
Public health leaders expressed concern about the impact on HIV efforts. Senegal has one of the lowest prevalence rates in West Africa at 0.3% among adults, with between 42,000 and 44,000 people living with the virus.
Dr Safiétou Thiam of the National Council for the Fight Against Aids said the changes risk undermining 30 to 35 years of progress in controlling the epidemic.
The new law also increases fines to 10 million CFA francs (about $17,600) and removes the possibility of suspended sentences or reduced terms.
This tightening of rules follows similar moves in Burkina Faso, Mali, Uganda and Ghana in recent years.
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