"Senegal already criminalised consensual same‑sex conduct under article 319 of the Penal Code, which prohibited "acts against nature", with same-sex relations being punished with one to five years in prison. The law, which modified the penal code, passed by 135 votes to zero, with three abstentions."
"In addition to criminalising "any sexual act or act of a sexual nature between two people of the same sex", the bill will also penalise anyone who accuses another of same-sex offences "without proof", while "anyone who engages in advocacy" for same-sex relations can be handed three to seven years in prison."
"Under the bill, the maximum sentence will be given if the act was committed with a minor. Punishment will additionally include fines from two million to 10 million CFA francs ($3,500 to $17,600), compared to 100,000 to 1.5 million CFA francs previously."
Senegal's National Assembly voted 135-0 to pass a bill that doubles the maximum penalty for consensual same-sex relations from five to ten years in prison. The legislation modifies article 319 of the Penal Code, which previously criminalized same-sex conduct as "acts against nature." The new law also penalizes advocacy for same-sex relations with three to seven years imprisonment and criminalizes false accusations of same-sex offenses. Fines increase from 100,000-1.5 million to 2-10 million CFA francs. Enhanced sentences apply when minors are involved. The bill awaits presidential signature. Religious and civil society leaders have urged swift implementation.
#lgbtq-criminalization #senegal-legislation #same-sex-relations-penalties #human-rights #african-law
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