Senegal enacts anti-LGBTQ law despite UN concerns over harsher penalties

April 4, 2026

TL;DR

Senegal has enacted a new law that toughens penalties for same-sex relations.
The law doubles prison sentences for 'unnatural acts,' including homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality, from 1-5 years to 5-10 years.
It also criminalizes the 'promotion' and financing of homosexuality.
Maximum fines have been increased to 10 million CFA francs ($17,680).
Judges are barred from handing down suspended sentences or reducing prison terms below the minimum.
Homosexual relations were already illegal under a 1966 provision in the Muslim-majority country.
Backers of the measure cite defense of traditional values.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk called the bill 'harmful' and urged the president not to sign it, warning it violates rights to dignity, privacy, and equality.
The UN chief urged Senegal to repeal discriminatory laws and uphold all citizens' rights.
Previous crackdowns have led to arrests under existing laws, with concerns raised about endangering LGBTQ people and undermining HIV outreach.
Several African nations continue to face pressure regarding laws criminalizing same-sex relations.
Examples include Uganda's removal from a US trade program and the World Bank freezing loans, and Ghana potentially losing World Bank funding over its anti-LGBTQ bill.

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