Senegal PM Proposes Doubling Prison Terms for Same-Sex Relations

(MENAFN) Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has put forward a draft law that would significantly increase punishments for same-sex relations, potentially doubling the maximum prison term to 10 years, according to reports. The proposal was submitted to parliament on Tuesday following cabinet approval last week, amid a recent wave of arrests linked to alleged same-sex relationships, which are already prohibited under Senegalese law.

Speaking before lawmakers, Sonko explained that the bill seeks to penalize what it refers to as "acts against nature" with prison sentences ranging from five to 10 years, replacing the current penalties of one to five years.

"If an act is committed with a minor, it will attract the maximum penalty," he said.

The proposed legislation has drawn criticism from rights advocates. In Senegal, discussions surrounding LGBT rights have long been contentious, particularly in a socially conservative environment where some groups characterize pro-LGBT activism as external interference. Religious organizations have staged public demonstrations in recent years demanding stricter enforcement and tougher punishments.

Earlier this month, police detained 12 men — including two well-known public figures and a prominent journalist — under existing anti-LGBT statutes. According to local reports, approximately 30 individuals have been arrested so far this month.

Sonko clarified that the draft law categorizes any sexual relations between two people of the same sex as an "act against nature". In addition to longer prison terms for same-sex relations, the bill outlines penalties of three to seven years for individuals accused of promoting or advocating such relationships.

The legislation also includes provisions targeting false accusations, prescribing punishment for anyone who alleges homosexuality against another person "without proof".

Those convicted under the proposed law could face fines reaching up to 10 million CFA francs (around $18,000 or £13,000), Sonko said.

Despite the tougher penalties, Sonko emphasized that the revised measure would maintain the offence as a misdemeanour rather than escalating it to a more serious criminal classification.

"We can achieve the intended objectives without going so far as to elevate the acts to the level of more serious crimes," he added.

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