Senegal parliament tightens law on same-sex relations

Majority deputies celebrate after the adoption of a law doubling the penalties for homosexuality at the National Assembly in Dakar on March 11, 2026. Senegal’s parliament on March 11 passed legislation doubling the maximum penalty for same-sex relations, making them punishable by up to 10 years in prison amid a crackdown on the country’s gay community. (Photo by SEYLLOU / AFP) Senegal’s parliament on Wednesday passed legislation doubling the maximum penalty for same-sex relations, making them punishable by up to 10 years in prison amid a crackdown on the country’s gay community.

Media have reported the arrest of dozens of men under the country’s anti-LGBTQ laws since February, when police arrested 12 men, including two local celebrities, at the start of a spate of recent detentions. The bill punishes “acts against nature”, a term used to signify same-sex relations, by five to 10 years’ imprisonment, compared with one to five years previously. It also provides for three to seven years in prison for anyone who engages in advocacy for same-sex relations.

Arrests have often been based on accusations and phone searches, which are reported almost daily, with the names of those detained made public. The new law additionally penalises anyone who accuses another of same-sex offences “without proof”. After debating for several hours, lawmakers approved the bill by a vote of 135 in favour, zero opposed and three abstentions.

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“Homosexuals will no longer breathe in this country. Homosexuals will no longer have freedom of expression in this country”, lawmaker Diaraye Ba declared from the podium during the debate, to applause from some of her colleagues. Under the bill, the maximum sentence will be handed down if the act was committed with a minor.

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