Senegal Lawmakers Consider Legislation with Harsher Penalties for Same-Sex Relations
Lawmakers in Senegal are set to debate a controversial bill that would significantly increase penalties for same-sex relations during a plenary session scheduled for Wednesday.
The proposed legislation before the National Assembly of Senegal seeks to amend existing criminal laws by doubling the maximum punishment for same-sex relations to 10 years in prison if approved.
According to a National Assembly document signed on Friday, legislators have been summoned to attend a plenary sitting on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, where the bill will be reviewed and debated.
The initiative is supported by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whose government is pushing for stricter legal measures against same-sex relations. Under current laws in Senegal, such acts are already criminalised and punishable by prison terms of one to five years, along with fines.
The debate comes amid an intensified crackdown in the West African nation, with authorities carrying out multiple arrests in recent weeks over alleged same-sex activities. Reports have also indicated a surge in online attacks targeting individuals suspected of being involved in same-sex relationships, drawing condemnation from human rights organisations.
Supporters of the proposed legislation argue that it reflects Senegal’s cultural and religious values. The country is predominantly Muslim, and public opposition to homosexuality remains widespread.
However, international and local rights groups have criticised the bill, warning that harsher penalties could worsen discrimination and threaten freedom of expression, particularly for activists and organisations advocating for LGBTQ rights.
In line with parliamentary procedures, a vote on the bill is typically conducted on the same day as the debate, meaning lawmakers could decide the fate of the legislation shortly after discussions conclude.
If passed, the measure would further strengthen Senegal’s already strict laws against same-sex relations.
