Senegal Has Passed A New Anti-LGBTQ Law, Criminalizing Same-Sex Relations To 10 Years In Prison

Senegal has passed a new anti-LGBTQ bill that doubles the maximum prison term for same-sex relationships to 10 years in prison.

Since 1966, Senegal has punished what it calls “acts against nature” with up to 5 years in prison and fines of 1.5 million CFA francs (about US$2,600).

But under the new law, the maximum sentence jumps from 5 to 10 years and allows fines of up to 10 million CFA francs (about US$17,000).

The legislation also criminalizes promoting, supporting or funding what it calls “acts against nature” — which include homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexuality.

The law passed on March 11 with 135 votes to zero in favor, marking a massive crackdown on the LGBTQ community.

Rights groups say the move would worsen discrimination and violence against LGBTQ communities in the country.

Senegal is now one of 33 countries in Africa that criminalize same-sex relationships, following similar recent moves in Burkina Faso and Ghana.

The bill is now awaiting the president’s final signature before it becomes law.

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