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Senegal's New Law Harshens Penalties for LGBTQ+ Rights

4/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In Senegal, a new law intensifies hostility toward LGBTQ+ people.
It imposes harsher penalties under Article 319 for same-sex relations.
Since February, more than 60 people have been detained under Article 319.
The law also mandates forced HIV testing and deters use of HIV services.
Funding cuts weaken the HIV response, prompting concern from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the HIV Justice Network about rising infections.

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Story summary

In Senegal, a new law intensifies hostility toward LGBTQ+ people.
It imposes harsher penalties under Article 319 for same-sex relations.
Since February, more than 60 people have been detained under Article 319.
The law also mandates forced HIV testing and deters use of HIV services.
Funding cuts weaken the HIV response, prompting concern from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the HIV Justice Network about rising infections.