Senegal approves tougher anti-gay law as rights groups raise concerns

The measure was supported by 135 MPs, none voted against it while three abstained. The next step will be for the president to sign it into law. The legislation, which was a campaign promise of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, was sent to parliament after a wave of arrests over alleged same-sex relationships, already banned under Senegalese law.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk said the bill was “deeply worrying” and urged the president not to sign it. The government spokesman dismissed international criticism of the bill, arguing that the move reflected the views of Senegalese people. “The majority of Senegalese do not accept homosexuality.

Our culture rejects it and we are firmly opposed to it,” said Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarré. Some conservative activists in Senegal have long demanded harsher penalties. The movement And Sàmm Jikko Yi, which campaigns to defend what it calls Senegalese moral values, has repeatedly urged authorities to adopt stricter legislation criminalising homosexual acts.

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Its leaders argue the law is necessary to protect Senegalese cultural and religious norms. However, rights groups warn the move could worsen discrimination and violence against sexual minorities. Human Rights Watch researcher Larissa Kojoué said the proposed changes were worrying. “Criminalising same-sex conduct and arresting people for their sexual orientation violates multiple internationally protected rights, including equality and non-discrimination.”

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