Senegal's National Assembly has overwhelmingly passed legislation doubling the maximum prison sentence for same-sex sexual acts to 10 years, while also criminalising any efforts to promote homosexuality. According to Antigua News Room, the bill passed late Wednesday by a vote of 135 to zero, with three abstentions.
The new law fulfils a campaign pledge made by the government that came to power in 2024 under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. It now awaits President Faye's signature to take effect.
Senegal's existing penal code already contained a provision — last amended in 1966 — imposing up to five years' imprisonment and fines of up to 1,500,000 CFA francs (approximately $2,700) for what the code terms "acts against nature." The newly passed legislation doubles the maximum prison term and raises the maximum fine to 10 million CFA francs.
The law also restricts judicial discretion, specifying that a judge may not grant a suspended sentence or reduce a prison term below the prescribed minimum. It further defines "acts against nature" as encompassing homosexuality, bisexuality, "transsexuality", zoophilia, and necrophilia.
The vote represents a tightening of anti-LGBT laws across West Africa, a regional trend that has drawn international attention.
Imam Babacar Sylla, leader of And Samm Jikko Yi — a network of Islamic and civil society organisations — urged President Faye to sign the bill into law without delay. "The longer it takes, the more complicated it will be. And these people, whom I consider a public danger, will continue to escape," Sylla said.
In the weeks leading up to Wednesday's vote, supporters of the legislation, including lawmakers from the ruling Pastef party, organised demonstrations in the capital Dakar. Participants chanted "No to homosexuality!" and carried signs bearing crossed-out rainbow symbols.
