Full Breakdown
U.S. Group Collaborates with Senegalese Activists to Strengthen Anti-LGBT Law
3/17/2026, 3:32:03 AM
Collaboration Between U.S. and Senegalese Groups
In March 2026, Senegal's National Assembly passed a controversial law that doubles the maximum prison sentence for same-sex sexual acts to ten years and criminalizes the promotion of homosexuality. This legislative change was influenced by a collaboration between the U.S.-based group MassResistance and Senegalese activists from And Samm Jikko Yi, a network of Islamic and civil society organizations. MassResistance, known for its opposition to same-sex marriage and advocacy for "pro-family" policies, has been active in advising African groups on anti-LGBT initiatives, particularly in the context of a perceived shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
Background of the Anti-LGBT Movement in Senegal
And Samm Jikko Yi began its campaign for tougher anti-LGBT legislation in 2020, arguing that existing laws were insufficient. The previous law allowed for prison sentences of up to five years for "acts against nature." The new law was a key promise made by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko during their 2024 campaign. In December 2024, the Senegalese group reached out to MassResistance to strategize on mobilization and advocacy efforts, marking a significant moment in the transnational pro-family movement.
Legislative Impact and Health Concerns
The recent law has drawn international condemnation and raised concerns among health professionals regarding its potential impact on public health, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In Senegal, the national HIV prevalence is 0.3%, but it is significantly higher among men who have sex with men (MSM), reaching up to 49% in parts of Dakar. Health workers warn that criminalizing the promotion of homosexuality could deter MSM from seeking necessary health services, exacerbating the HIV epidemic. Reports indicate that recent arrests of suspected MSM have forced many into hiding or fleeing the country.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the law, including human rights advocates, argue that it represents a significant regression in the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal. The law's passage has been celebrated by lawmakers who have openly stated that LGBTQ+ citizens will no longer be able to "breathe in this country." This rhetoric reflects a broader trend of increasing hostility towards LGBTQ+ rights in the region, fueled in part by external influences from groups like MassResistance.
Official Statements & Responses
Arthur Schaper, the field director of MassResistance, stated, "There’s a renewed push to put in place these strict bans on the promotion and proliferation of LGBT ideology now because President Trump is not in the business of harassing and bullying countries to incorporate these destructive ideologies." This sentiment underscores the group's strategy to leverage the current U.S. administration's stance on social issues to further their agenda abroad.
What's Next
The collaboration between MassResistance and Senegalese activists may not be limited to Senegal. The group is also reportedly involved in efforts to influence anti-LGBT legislation in Ghana, where lawmakers are considering similar restrictions. The implications of these developments could have lasting effects on LGBTQ+ rights and public health initiatives across West Africa.
