HRF condemns the parliament of Senegal’s unanimous approval of draconian legislation that doubles the maximum prison sentence for those convicted of same-sex relations, for a total of up to 10 years. This marks an alarming escalation in the criminalization of LGBTQ+ individuals and rights advocacy, while Senegalese officials have failed to enact reforms of other repressive laws used to stifle dissent.

Championed by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to fulfill President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s 2024 campaign promises, the bill was approved by 135 National Assembly lawmakers with zero votes against. The bill amends Article 319 of the penal code, spiking penalties from 1–5 years to 5–10 years and imposing massive fines. The law also targets those accused of “promoting” homosexuality — a vague provision that could be used to silence allies and human rights defenders.

While same-sex relations have been criminalized since 1966, this new measure intensifies an existing climate of state-sanctioned fear. Recent arrests under “acts against nature” provisions highlight a worsening pattern of harassment and violence, stripping a vulnerable community of its most basic protections.