Senegal moves to increase prison terms for same-sex relationships
Senegal’s government is seeking to impose harsher penalties for same-sex relationships. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced a bill that would double the current maximum prison sentence for such acts. The proposal has drawn criticism from human rights groups and comes amid a series of arrests under existing anti-LGBTQ laws. The bill also targets those who advocate for same-sex relations.
What we know
- Ousmane Sonko told parliament that the new bill would increase the punishment for same-sex relationships to five to 10 years in prison, up from the current one to five years.
- The bill was passed to the National Assembly after ministers approved it last week.
- Police recently arrested several men, including two local celebrities and a journalist, under anti-LGBTQ laws.
- The proposed law also includes three to seven years in prison for anyone who engages in advocacy for same-sex relations.
- The bill addresses both same-sex relations and child sex abuse, with maximum sentences if acts are committed with a minor.
