Senegal's Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has put forward a draft law that seeks to increase penalties for same-sex relations, a move that intensifies the country's already strict anti-LGBTQ laws. Presenting the legislation to parliament, Sonko argues that homosexuality is against nature and dismisses opposition as driven by external influence from Western nations. Under the proposed law, the prison term for engaging in same-sex relations would rise from five to ten years, while those who commit such acts with minors would face maximum penalties, including substantial fines.

The new legislation not only aims to penalize individuals for private consensual acts but also targets public displays of LGBTQ support. Offenders promoting homosexuality, bisexuality, or transsexuality could face three to seven years of imprisonment along with fines up to 10 million CFA francs (approximately $17,953). This reflects Senegal's societal and governmental stance that remains overwhelmingly hostile towards LGBTQ rights, viewing them as incompatible with traditional values.

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights in Africa, where many countries enforce harsh penalties for same-sex relationships. The reintroduction of tougher laws in Senegal could have wider implications, potentially influencing similar legislative moves in neighboring countries. Advocacy groups and human rights organizations are likely to respond strongly against this legal regression, emphasizing threats to personal freedoms and human rights in regions where conformity to traditional views is often prioritized over individual rights.