Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has announced a bill that would increase penalties for same-sex relations, which could result in a prison sentence of five to 10 years. The bill was tabled in parliament amid a stepped-up campaign against practices considered illegal in the country.
Under the current law, the penalty for such a case is one to five years in prison. But according to Sonko, the new bill aims to amend the penal code to clearly state that any sexual activity between two people of the same sex will be considered an “act against nature.” It has been approved by ministers before being submitted to the National Assembly for deliberation.
The bill also includes harsher penalties if the incident involves a minor, where the maximum sentence will be imposed. In addition, anyone found to be promoting or advocating same-sex relations will also be subject to three to seven years in prison. Recently, several individuals — including prominent personalities and a journalist — have been arrested under existing anti-LGBTQ laws.
In recent years, the issue of LGBTQ rights has been the focus of heated discussions in Senegal. Some sectors, including religious groups, have held demonstrations to demand stricter penalties. Meanwhile, some human rights groups have condemned the bill, saying it could exacerbate discrimination and human rights violations.
Currently, there is no set date for when parliament will vote on the said bill. The public and the international community continue to monitor the government's next steps on this issue.
