Senegal PM proposes tougher anti-LGBT law, doubling prison terms

BBC News - WorldEN 2 min read 100% complete February 25, 2026 at 06:46 AM

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Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has proposed legislation to toughen penalties for same-sex relations, which are already banned in the country. The bill, approved by the cabinet and sent to parliament on Tuesday, would increase prison sentences from one to five years to five to ten years for "acts against nature." The proposal follows a recent wave of arrests targeting individuals suspected of same-sex relationships, with around 30 people detained this month. The bill also includes penalties for promoting same-sex relations and for falsely accusing someone of homosexuality. Human Rights Watch has condemned the crackdown, citing violations of internationally protected rights. A parliamentary vote on the bill, which is supported by Sonko's party, is pending.