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Senegal has enacted a new law that significantly increases penalties for same-sex relations, with offenders now facing up to 10 years in prison.
The legislation was signed into law by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on March 30, 2026, following its approval by an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly.
Under the revised law, individuals found guilty of engaging in same-sex relations—referred to as “acts against nature”—face prison sentences ranging from five to ten years, up from the previous one to five years.
The law also introduces additional penalties for those accused of promoting or financing same-sex relationships, with jail terms ranging between three and seven years. Financial penalties have also been increased, with fines now set between two million and 10 million CFA francs.
The development has sparked concern among international human rights organisations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, described the legislation as “deeply worrying,” warning that it undermines fundamental human rights principles.
Advocacy group ILGA World had earlier urged President Faye not to assent to the bill, calling for respect for individual freedoms and human dignity.
Reports indicate that enforcement of anti-LGBTQ laws has intensified in recent months, with dozens of arrests recorded since February. Some of these arrests have reportedly been based on accusations and phone searches, raising further concerns about privacy and due process.
The law also includes provisions to penalise false accusations related to same-sex offences, while imposing harsher sentences if the act involves a minor.
The move reflects ongoing tensions in Senegal over LGBTQ rights, an issue that remains highly contentious in the predominantly Muslim West African nation, where religious and cultural values strongly influence public opinion.
