Senegal passes law doubling penalty for same-sex relations to 10 years in prison
Senegal’s parliament intensifies crackdown on the LGBTQ community with new legislation.
Summary
On March 11, 2026, Senegal's parliament passed legislation that increases the maximum prison sentence for same-sex relations from five years to ten years.
The new law also introduces penalties for promoting or financing same-sex relationships, indicating a broader crackdown on LGBTQ rights.
This legislative change may have significant implications for the social and legal infrastructure surrounding LGBTQ issues in Senegal, reflecting a growing intolerance within the political framework.
Key Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary source | France 24 |
| Source count | 3 |
| First published | 2026-03-11T23:05:09.000Z |
Updates
Update at 23:10 UTC on 2026-03-11
Le Monde reported The new law, which must still be signed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, passed by an overwhelming majority and makes same-sex relations punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Sources: Le Monde
Update at 04:40 UTC on 2026-03-12
DW News reported Parliament approved legislation doubling prison sentences and increasing fines for same-sex relations, reflecting a broader push for stricter anti-LGBT laws in the region.
Sources: DW News
Sources
- France 24: https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20260311-senegal-doubles-penalty-same-sex-relations-10-years
- Le Monde: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/03/12/senegal-votes-to-double-the-maximum-penalty-for-same-sex-relations-amid-crackdown-on-gay-community_6751347_4.html
- DW News: https://www.dw.com/en/senegal-lawmakers-back-tougher-anti-lgbtq-law-with-up-to-10-years-in-prison/a-76315569?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-xml-mrss