Senegal's LGBT community is at significantly harsher penalties, with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko's proposed legislation aiming to double the maximum prison term for same-sex relations to up to 10 years.
The bill, which was sent to parliament after cabinet approval, has been met with criticism from rights that it violates internationally protected rights, including equality and nondiscrimination.
The proposed law defines same-sex conduct as an 'act against nature prison terms of three to seven years for those promoting or advocating same-sex relations., individuals found guilty of accusing others of homosexuality without proof could face separate punishment.
The bill also includes fines of up to 10 million CFA francs, approximately $18,000 or £13,000, for those found guilty. According to Sonko, the revised law would maintain the offence at its current misdemeanour level, as 'we can achieve the intended objectives without going so far as to elevate the acts to the level of more serious crimes.'
The move has sparked concerns about the treatment of the LGBT community in Senegal, particularly given the recent wave of arrests, with local media reporting around 30 det month, including 12 men earlier this month. law is set to be voted on in a parliament controlled by Sonko's Pastef party, although a date has yet to be announced.
