In early March, Senegal passed legislation that doubles the penalties for homosexual relationships, increasing prison sentences from five to ten years. The law was officially enacted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on March 31.

Rejection of foreign criticism

During a parliamentary session, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko dismissed all foreign criticism, particularly from France. He also ruled out any moratorium on the law’s enforcement, despite a mid-May appeal from over thirty prominent figures of African descent published in a national newspaper. These individuals warned of a “climate of fear, hatred, and violence” gripping the country since the law’s passage.

“Ending the ‘spread’ (sic) of homosexuality”

Rather than softening his position, Sonko urged the judiciary to apply the law “fully and rigorously,” asserting that the goal was to curb the “spread” of homosexuality. This rhetoric resonates strongly with the Senegalese public but risks deepening societal divisions. By criminalizing consensual adult relationships, authorities may inadvertently fuel stigmatization, denunciations, and violence. Regardless of differing global perspectives on the issue, upholding human dignity and combating hatred should remain universal priorities.