Senegal's National Assembly has overwhelmingly passed legislation late on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, that doubles the maximum prison term for same-sex sexual acts to 10 years and introduces new criminal penalties for promoting or advocating homosexuality. The bill, which fulfills a key campaign promise of the ruling Pastef party under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, now awaits the president's signature to become law.
The legislation amends Senegal's Penal Code, specifically targeting what it describes as "acts against nature"—a longstanding legal term referring to same-sex relations. Under the current Article 319.3 of the Penal Code, such acts are punishable by one to five years in prison and fines ranging from 100,000 to 1.5 million CFA francs (approximately $170 to $2,500 USD). The new measure increases the imprisonment range to five to 10 years, with the maximum sentence mandatory if the act involves a minor (under 21 in some provisions). Fines have also been raised significantly, from two million to 10 million CFA francs (roughly $3,500 to $17,600 USD).
In addition to harsher penalties for the acts themselves, the bill criminalizes efforts to "promote" homosexuality, including advocacy, financing, or public promotion of same-sex relationships. Those convicted under this provision could face three to seven years in prison. The law broadens the definition of prohibited conduct to encompass any sexual act or act of a sexual nature between individuals of the same sex, further entrenching restrictions in a country where homosexuality has been illegal since independence from France in 1960.
The vote in the National Assembly was decisive: 135 lawmakers in favor, zero against, and three abstentions, reflecting strong support in the chamber dominated by Pastef. The bill was introduced by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in late February 2026, following cabinet approval earlier that month. Sonko presented it during a parliamentary session, emphasizing it as a response to perceived moral and societal concerns in Senegal's largely conservative, predominantly Muslim society. He described the changes as necessary to reinforce existing laws amid a recent wave of arrests and public pressure from religious and traditional leaders demanding tougher measures.
The push for stricter legislation comes against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny and crackdowns on the LGBTQ+ community in Senegal. Since early 2026, authorities have carried out multiple arrests of individuals accused of "unnatural acts," including high-profile cases involving celebrities and others. Anti-LGBT demonstrations have occurred in Dakar and other cities, with participants calling for even more severe punishments. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have condemned the bill as a violation of fundamental rights, arguing it threatens privacy, freedom of expression, and personal dignity while potentially fueling discrimination, violence, and social stigma against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Senegal is part of a regional trend in West Africa where several countries have moved toward more restrictive anti-LGBT laws in recent years. Neighboring nations and others on the continent have seen similar legislative efforts, often justified on cultural, religious, or moral grounds. Critics view these developments as regressive steps that undermine human rights protections and could exacerbate health risks, such as reduced access to HIV prevention and treatment services for marginalized groups.
Prime Minister Sonko, who has championed the bill as aligning with national values, introduced it shortly after assuming office in the government that took power in 2024. The legislation was framed not as elevating homosexuality to a felony but as strengthening penalties within the existing misdemeanor framework while addressing perceived loopholes. Sonko stated during debates that the changes would apply universally and include safeguards, such as mandatory maximum sentences in cases involving minors, with limited judicial discretion for leniency.
As the bill now heads to President Faye for assent, activists and international observers are urging him to withhold his signature or seek amendments to mitigate its impact. Faye's administration has not yet indicated its final position, though the overwhelming parliamentary support suggests high likelihood of enactment. If signed, the law would mark one of the most severe criminal frameworks for same-sex relations in the region, intensifying an already challenging environment for LGBTQ+ people in Senegal.
The development has drawn swift international attention, with human rights groups highlighting risks of arbitrary enforcement, social ostracism, and potential misuse against perceived opponents. Domestically, supporters argue it upholds traditional norms and responds to public sentiment in a country where same-sex relations remain deeply taboo. The law's passage underscores ongoing tensions between evolving human rights standards and prevailing cultural-religious attitudes across parts of Africa.
This legislative action occurs amid broader global debates on LGBTQ+ rights, with Senegal's move contrasting sharply with progress in some regions while aligning with conservative shifts elsewhere. As implementation details emerge post-signature, the focus will shift to enforcement practices, potential legal challenges, and the real-world effects on vulnerable communities.
