Senegal President Signs Law Doubling Same-Sex Penalties

On March 11, 2023, Senegal's President Macky Sall signed a law that doubles the maximum penalty for same-sex relations from five years to ten years in prison. This law was officially published on Tuesday following its overwhelming approval by the National Assembly, where it passed with 135 votes in favor, zero against, and three abstentions.

The legislation also includes penalties for promoting or financing same-sex relationships, with fines ranging from two million to ten million CFA francs. The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, expressed deep concern over the law's passage, emphasizing its contradiction to fundamental human rights.

The law has sparked a crackdown on the LGBTQ community in Senegal, with reports of arrests, including twelve men detained in February. Advocacy groups, such as ILGA World, have urged President Sall not to sign the bill, calling for the respect of individual liberties.

The law reflects ongoing tensions regarding LGBTQ rights in Senegal, a predominantly Muslim country.