Senegal’s prime minister on Tuesday unveiled legislation that would double the maximum penalty for same-sex relationships, making them punishable by up to 10 years in prison, in a crackdown condemned by human rights groups.
“Anyone committing an act against nature will be punished by five to 10 years’ imprisonment,” compared with one to five years under the current law, Premier Ousmane Sonko told parliament.
Ministers passed the bill to the National Assembly after approving it last week, following multiple arrests of people accused of same-sex relations.
Police this month said they arrested several men, including two local celebrities and a well-known journalist, under anti-LGBTQ laws.
Senegalese media have also run stories in recent days on same-sex relations, often conflating them with a separate child sex abuse affair.
In that case, investigators dismantled a gang accused of sexual violence against minors, arresting 14 people.
The bill presented in parliament relates to both same-sex relations and child sex abuse.
“If the act is committed with a minor, the maximum sentence will be imposed,” Sonko told lawmakers.
He said the bill modified the penal code to stipulate that “any sexual act or act of a sexual nature between two people of the same sex constitutes an act against nature.”
The bill also provides for three to seven years in prison for “anyone who engages in advocacy” for same-sex relations, Sonko added.
In recent years, LGBTQ issues have stirred controversy in Senegal, where pro-LGBTQ advocacy is frequently denounced as a tool used by Westerners to impose foreign values.
Religious associations have staged demonstrations in recent years to demand tougher penalties.
The date for a parliamentary vote has yet to be announced.
