By Micah Jonah, April 1, 2026
Senegal has enacted a stricter law targeting same-sex relations, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye approving legislation that significantly increases penalties and criminalizes the promotion of homosexuality.
The new law, passed overwhelmingly by lawmakers earlier this month, raises the maximum prison sentence for same-sex acts from five years to ten years. It also introduces harsher financial penalties and extends criminal liability to individuals or groups found promoting or financing such activities.
Government officials confirmed that the legislation has now taken effect following presidential approval, despite mounting pressure from international human rights organizations urging restraint.
The revised law expands the scope of Senegal’s existing penal provisions, explicitly defining offences to include homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender identity-related expressions, alongside other acts already prohibited under previous statutes.
Criticism has been swift from global rights bodies. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, earlier warned that the law undermines fundamental rights, including dignity, privacy, and freedom of expression.
President Faye, alongside Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, had pledged during the 2024 election campaign to strengthen existing laws on the issue, a promise now fulfilled through the latest legislative action.
Reports also indicate that individuals found guilty of promoting or supporting same-sex relations could face prison terms under the new provisions, marking a significant escalation in enforcement measures.
The period leading up to the law’s passage saw an increase in arrests linked to alleged violations, raising concerns among observers about potential human rights implications and enforcement practices.
Analysts say the development reflects a broader trend across parts of Africa, where governments continue to adopt stricter positions on cultural and social issues, often drawing both domestic support and international criticism.
