World

Senegal PM Ousmane Sonko Proposes Harsher Prison Terms for Homosexuality

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has submitted a legislative proposal aimed at tightening the country’s laws on homosexuality. The new bill seeks to raise the prison sentence from one year to at least five years, marking one of the strictest revisions to Senegal’s penal code in decades.

The proposal also broadens the legal definition of what constitutes “unnatural acts,” a term that has been used in Senegal’s legislation since the nation gained independence in 1960. However, the government clarified that despite the tougher penalties, the offense will not be elevated beyond its current classification as a misdemeanor.

Sonko stated that his objective is to strengthen the law without altering the nature of the offense within the penal system.

A Rising Climate of Tension

Human rights organizations report increasing pressure on LGBTQ individuals, noting a sharp rise in arrests in recent years. Activists argue that the atmosphere has deteriorated significantly since 2018, with more aggressive policing and social hostility.

The new bill fulfills a key campaign promise from Sonko and is now moving to the National Assembly, where his party, PASTEF, holds a parliamentary majority—significantly increasing the likelihood of the bill passing.