President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has promulgated a law amending Article 319 of the Penal Code, significantly tightening penalties for same-sex acts and introducing sanctions for their promotion.
The legislation, adopted on March 11 by a large majority in the National Assembly, now provides for prison sentences ranging from five to ten years and fines between 2 and 10 million CFA francs.
It also removes judicial discretion for reduced or suspended sentences, while mandating maximum penalties in cases involving minors.
The law further criminalizes the “glorification” or support of homosexuality and related practices, with penalties of three to seven years in prison and fines of up to 5 million CFA francs.
Authorities, including Interior Minister Mouhamadou Bamba Cissé, say the reform aims to adapt the legal framework to societal realities and strengthen the protection of vulnerable groups.
The promulgation comes amid recent arrests and reflects a broader government stance on preserving social norms and reinforcing legal sovereignty in Senegal.
