Senegal's Parliament Approves Harsher Penalties for Same-Sex Relations, Doubling Maximum Prison Term to 10 Years

 Senegal's National Assembly has passed a controversial bill that significantly toughens punishments for same-sex relations, doubling the maximum prison sentence from five to 10 years. The legislation, which amends Article 319 of the Penal Code, was approved on March 11, 2026, by an overwhelming majority of 135 votes in favor, with zero votes against and three abstentions.

The new law targets what it terms "acts against nature" — referring to consensual same-sex sexual activity — imposing prison terms of five to 10 years, along with substantially higher fines of up to 10 million CFA francs (approximately $17,700). This represents a doubling of the previous penalties, which ranged from one to five years in prison and fines up to 1.5 million CFA francs.

In addition, the bill introduces new criminal offenses for promoting, advocating, financing, or "apologizing for" (defending or glorifying) same-sex relations, punishable by three to seven years in prison. Proponents, including Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and supporters in the government, framed the measure as a necessary strengthening of existing laws amid what they described as societal concerns and a campaign promise from the 2024 elections under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The bill now awaits the signature of President Faye to become law. If enacted, it would mark a further escalation in Senegal's crackdown on the LGBTQ+ community, where homosexuality is already criminalized and LGBTQ+ individuals frequently face arrests, discrimination, violence, and social stigma in the predominantly Muslim West African nation.

Human rights groups and activists have condemned the move as a violation of fundamental rights, including privacy and freedom of expression, arguing that it will intensify harassment and endanger vulnerable populations. The legislation fits into a broader regional trend of anti-LGBT measures in parts of Africa.

This development comes after earlier government approval of the draft in February 2026 and reflects ongoing debates over cultural, religious, and legal norms in Senegal.