Senegal's Parliament has recently approved a controversial law that tightens punishments for same-sex sexual activity, doubling the maximum prison sentence from five to ten years. The minimum sentence has also been raised to five years, and the law introduces severe penalties for promoting or financing same-sex relationships, including potential imprisonment for up to seven years. A total of 135 representatives voted in favor of the legislation, and only three lawmakers were absent during the vote, indicating strong support within the government for this legislative move.

The law's passage comes amid a broader climate of increasing hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal, reflecting a troubling trend regarding the rights and protections of sexual minorities in the country. President Bassirou Diomaye Fayen is expected to sign the law into effect, as enforcing stricter measures against homosexuality was a key part of his and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko's campaign promises for the upcoming 2024 elections. This implies a continuation of the government's hardline stance towards LGBTQ+ issues and sets a concerning precedent for human rights in the region.

Human rights advocates, including UN human rights chief Volker Türk, have urged the president to reconsider, warning that this new measure could lead to increased persecution of sexual minorities. Reports indicate that nearly 30 individuals were arrested in February under existing anti-LGBTQ+ laws, signifying a troubling crack down on the already vulnerable community. The progression of this law underscores the deteriorating situation for sexual minorities in Senegal, posing significant challenges for human rights defenders and advocates in the region.