Story perspectives

Senegal Doubles Prison Sentence for Same-Sex Relations

3/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senegal's parliament passed a bill doubling the maximum prison sentence for same-sex relations to 10 years and criminalizing the promotion of homosexuality.
The legislation, approved by 135 votes and three abstentions, bars suspended sentences and imposes fines up to 10 million CFA francs.
The bill fulfills a campaign promise by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
Rights groups warn the law could increase discrimination against sexual minorities.

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Story summary

Senegal's parliament passed a bill doubling the maximum prison sentence for same-sex relations to 10 years and criminalizing the promotion of homosexuality.
The legislation, approved by 135 votes and three abstentions, bars suspended sentences and imposes fines up to 10 million CFA francs.
The bill fulfills a campaign promise by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
Rights groups warn the law could increase discrimination against sexual minorities.