Senegal is considering a new law that could punish same-sex relationships with up to ten years in prison, doubling the current maximum sentence.
The proposed legislation was introduced to parliament by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Tuesday, following recent arrests linked to same-sex relations.
Under the bill, acts considered “against nature” would carry prison terms of five to ten years, compared with the current one to five years.
The law also addresses sexual acts involving minors, stating that the maximum penalty would apply in such cases.
Authorities in Senegal recently arrested several men, including public figures and a journalist, under the existing anti-LGBTQ laws.
Media coverage in the country has occasionally linked same-sex activities with child abuse investigations, though the two issues are legally distinct. A separate case led to the arrest of 14 people accused of sexual abuse of minors.
The bill also proposes prison sentences of three to seven years for promoting or advocating same-sex relationships.
LGBTQ issues have long been contentious in Senegal, with religious and community groups pushing for stricter measures.
Many citizens view pro-LGBTQ advocacy as influenced by foreign ideas, creating tension with local cultural and religious values.
A date for the parliamentary vote on the law has not been set, but its introduction marks a major step in the government’s effort to tighten rules on same-sex relations and related advocacy.
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