The government of Senegal has introduced a draft law that would raise the maximum prison sentence for consensual same-sex relations from five to ten years, according to statements by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and legal experts.
Under the proposed legislation presented to the National Assembly, consensual sexual acts between people of the same sex — currently punishable under Article 319 of the Penal Code — would attract a prison term of up to 10 years if convicted. The bill also includes harsher fines and would apply the more severe sentence for acts involving individuals under the age of 21.
In addition to lengthening jail terms, the legislation would expand legal sanctions against conduct defined as “unnatural acts” and could impose fines ranging between 2 million and 10 million CFA francs (about $3,600 – $17,900) for offenders. Sonko urged lawmakers to support the measure, tying it to broader cultural and legal debates within the predominantly conservative country.
The move is part of a wider push to toughen existing laws, which already criminalise same-sex relations with prison terms of one to five years and fines. Rights groups have raised concerns that increasing penalties could lead to further discrimination, harassment, and legal vulnerability for LGBT individuals in Senegal.
To become law, the bill must still be debated and approved by Senegal’s National Assembly. Human rights organisations and international observers are closely watching the process, warning that harsher penalties could undermine basic rights and freedoms.
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