Senegal's prime minister has announced new legislation that will double the maximum prison penalty for same-sex relations to 10 years amid rising crackdowns on LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.
On Tuesday, Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko unveiled a new legislative proposal aimed at increasing the maximum penalty for same-sex relations from five to 10 years in prison. This move comes on the heels of recent crackdowns on individuals accused of engaging in same-sex activities, which are already criminalized under Senegal's penal code. Sonko emphasized that the updated legislation is intended to reinforce the country's stance against what he described as 'acts against nature.'
The announcement follows a series of high-profile arrests, including that of two local celebrities and a respected journalist, all of whom were detained under existing anti-LGBTQ+ laws. According to police, at least 12 individuals were apprehended this month alone, contributing to a reported total of 30 arrests in connection with alleged same-sex relations. Human rights groups have condemned this legislative push, arguing that it exacerbates the discrimination and suffering faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal, a country where homosexuality is socially taboo and legally punished.
As the legislation moves forward, it raises serious concerns regarding human rights and the safety of sexual minorities in Senegal. The potential for increased imprisonment under these laws may further instill fear within the LGBTQ+ community, driving them underground and away from seeking any support or legal protection. The international community's response to this crackdown will likely influence Senegal's political landscape and its human rights record moving forward, highlighting the existing tension between cultural beliefs and international human rights norms.
