Authorities in Senegal have halted an LGBTQ-themed event organised by the United Nations and the Dutch embassy, citing national laws and a firm stance against what it termed the “promotion of the LGBTQI phenomenon”.
The Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed it had received notice of a planned film screening and follow-up discussions focused on LGBTQI+ issues.
In its statement, the government warned that it “reserves the right to take any appropriate action” against both organisers and participants of such gatherings, “regardless of their origin, status, or rank”. It further emphasised that the operations of diplomatic missions and international bodies must remain in line with Senegalese regulations.
Senegal, like many other conservative countries, maintains strict laws criminalising same-sex relationships. Under current legislation, acts deemed “against nature” between same-sex individuals can result in prison sentences of up to five years.
