Bassirou Diomaye Faye has approved a controversial new law that doubles prison sentences for same-sex relations and criminalises the “promotion” of homosexuality, according to an official statement.
The legislation, passed overwhelmingly by lawmakers earlier this month, raises the maximum prison term for same-sex sexual acts from five to 10 years and increases fines to as much as 10 million CFA francs ($2,700).
It also introduces penalties for individuals found guilty of promoting or financing homosexuality, expanding the scope of existing laws.
Senegal’s penal code already criminalised what it described as “acts against nature,” carrying sentences of up to five years in prison and fines of up to 1.5 million CFA francs. The revised law explicitly defines such acts to include homosexuality, bisexuality and “transsexuality,” alongside other offences.
The move has drawn criticism from international rights groups. Volker Turk warned earlier this month that the legislation undermines fundamental rights, including dignity, privacy, equality, and freedoms of expression and association.
Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko had pledged during their 2024 election campaign to introduce stricter measures targeting LGBT activity.
Reuters previously reported that supporters of the bill had coordinated campaign efforts with a U.S.-based “pro-family” organisation that frames homosexuality as a public health threat.
The lead-up to the parliamentary vote saw a rise in arrests of men suspected of violating “acts against nature” provisions, as well as charges related to the alleged transmission of HIV, which can carry prison terms of up to 10 years.