The Rise of Anti-LGBTQ Legislation in Africa

In recent months, several African countries have enacted or proposed stringent anti-LGBTQ laws, reflecting a growing trend of legal repression against sexual minorities. Notably, Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signed a law in March 2026 that increased the maximum prison sentence for same-sex sexual acts to ten years and prohibited financial support for LGBTQ+ advocacy. Similarly, Burkina Faso's interim president, Ibrahim Traoré, criminalized homosexual acts with penalties of two to five years in prison. Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni ratified a law that includes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality," building on previous anti-LGBTQ legislation. Ghana is also poised to revisit its controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which mandates citizens to uphold "family values."

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The enactment of these laws has severe implications for LGBTQ+ individuals across the continent. Activists like awo dufie fofie, an intersex trans woman from Ghana, have reported increased violence and discrimination, including eviction from homes and physical attacks. Awo's experiences highlight the pervasive insecurity faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, exacerbated by societal stigma and legal threats. Amanda Odoi, another activist, emphasizes that the political rhetoric surrounding these laws not only endangers sexual minorities but also threatens broader reproductive rights.

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The motivations behind these legislative changes are multifaceted. In Senegal, the new law was part of a campaign promise by President Faye, while former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo leveraged anti-LGBTQ sentiment to bolster his popularity. Additionally, there is evidence of external influence, with right-wing groups from the United States, such as the Heritage Foundation and the Fellowship Foundation, reportedly spending millions to promote anti-LGBTQ agendas in Africa. The Institute for Journalism and Social Change noted a 47% increase in funding from these groups in 2022 compared to 2019.

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Despite the prevailing anti-LGBTQ sentiment, there are voices of dissent within the affected countries. Ghana's current President John Mahama acknowledged the complexity of the national conversation surrounding the reintroduction of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, asserting that his government would prioritize human rights and social cohesion. Activists like awo and Odoi continue to challenge these laws, advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and documenting abuses.

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• “The next apartment I lived in, I lived in for one month, and the owner of the apartment asked me to leave.” — awo dufie fofie, Activist

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• “We are still grappling with the provisions of basic needs of education, healthcare, jobs, food, clothing and shelter.” — John Mahama, President of Ghana

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• “There is,” she tells me, “also an opportunity for a decolonial advocacy that centres on the rights of these indigenous labels.” — awo dufie fofie, Activist

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The rise of anti-LGBTQ legislation in Africa represents a significant challenge for human rights advocates and LGBTQ+ communities. As countries like Senegal, Burkina Faso, Uganda, and Ghana implement or consider harsh laws, the impact on individuals' lives is profound. Activists continue to fight against this tide, seeking to reshape narratives and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities amidst increasing repression.

The Guardian