Senegal Assembly Adopts New Law: Penalties for Homosexuals Increased
The Parliament of Senegal has adopted a law that tightens penalties for homosexuality in this predominantly Muslim country in West Africa.
TL;DR
- Senegal's Parliament has passed a new law increasing penalties for homosexuality.
- Prison sentences for homosexual acts are doubled from one to five years to five to ten years.
- Penalties for "promotion" and "financing" of homosexuality are increased, with fines up to 10 million CFA francs ($17,000 USD).
- The law aims to counter organizations advocating for LGBTQ+ issues.
- 135 MPs voted in favor, with none against and three abstentions.
- The previous law dated from 1966 and was considered too lenient.
- The law also penalizes false accusations of homosexual acts.
- Islamic value groups have supported the law, leading to increased police pressure and arrests.