The discourse surrounding homosexuality in Senegal has taken a sharper turn. Speaking before deputies on Friday, May 22, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko voiced his strong disapproval of what he perceives as Western pressure to normalize homosexuality globally. The head of the Senegalese government unequivocally rejected any notion of a moratorium on the enforcement of the recently enacted law that stiffens penalties for homosexual acts.
The legislation, initially approved in early March and formally promulgated by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on March 31, significantly escalates the legal consequences. Homosexual relations are now punishable by prison sentences ranging from five to ten years. This legislative shift occurs amidst a prevailing atmosphere of strong societal opposition to homosexuality, which has already led to multiple arrests based on suspected homosexual activity.
Sonko decries “Western tyranny”
During his address to Parliament, Ousmane Sonko directly challenged Western nations. He asserted that “there is a form of tyranny,” suggesting that a “small core” referred to as the West seeks to impose homosexuality on the rest of the world, leveraging its resources and media dominance. He questioned the legitimacy of such actions, asking, “In whose name?“
The Prime Minister specifically referenced France, noting that he had observed “much posturing” from foreign countries, “particularly in France.” He firmly stated, “If they have chosen these practices, that is their concern, but we have absolutely no lessons to learn from them.”
No moratorium considered
Ousmane Sonko contrasted Western criticisms with what he described as the silence from Asian, African, and Arab nations. He accused the West of attempting to “impose its dictate, its culture, its civilization” upon the global community.
Crucially, the Senegalese government leader shut down any possibility of backing down on the issue. He made it clear that the law would be applied rigorously and indicated that it could even be further strengthened. “If the law needs to be reinforced, it will be,” he concluded before the assembled deputies.
