"Lawmakers passed the government-backed legislation by 135 votes to none, with three abstentions. The law, which now requires the president's signature to take effect, was a major campaign promise of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in 2024."
"The latest law strengthens existing legislation that previously allowed prison terms of up to five years for what the penal code describes as 'acts against nature.' The new law criminalizing the promotion of homosexuality also increased the fine to up to 10 million CFA francs ($17,700, 15,340) from 1.5 million CFA francs ($2,676.18)."
"Rights groups say the measure is part of a broader trend of stricter anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the region, following similar moves in countries including Burkina Faso and proposed legislation in Ghana. More than half of the about 65 countries worldwide that criminalize same-sex relations are in Africa."
Senegal's parliament passed government-backed legislation increasing penalties for same-sex relations, doubling the maximum prison sentence to ten years and raising fines to 10 million CFA francs. The law criminalizes promotion of homosexuality and eliminates judicial discretion for suspended or reduced sentences. This legislation fulfills a campaign promise by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Prior to passage, authorities arrested approximately 27 men on suspicion of same-sex conduct. The measure reflects a broader regional trend of stricter anti-LGBTQ+ laws across West Africa, with similar legislation enacted in Burkina Faso and proposed in Ghana. Over half of approximately 65 countries worldwide criminalizing same-sex relations are located in Africa.
Read at www.dw.com
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