Story perspectives

Senegal Doubles Penalties for Same-Sex Relations, Faces UN Condemnation

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signed a law doubling penalties for same-sex relations to up to 10 years.
The National Assembly passed the law by a significant majority.
The legislation imposes three to seven years for promoting or financing same-sex relations and raises fines.
UN rights chief Volker Turk condemned the law as deeply worrying.
Since February, dozens have been arrested under anti-LGBTQ laws, often after accusations and phone searches.

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Story summary

Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signed a law doubling penalties for same-sex relations to up to 10 years.
The National Assembly passed the law by a significant majority.
The legislation imposes three to seven years for promoting or financing same-sex relations and raises fines.
UN rights chief Volker Turk condemned the law as deeply worrying.
Since February, dozens have been arrested under anti-LGBTQ laws, often after accusations and phone searches.