Same-sex relationships: Senegal proposes 10-year jail term

Senegal flag

Senegal’s prime minister on Tuesday unveiled legislation that would double the maximum penalty for same-sex relationships, making them punishable by up to 10 years in prison, in a crackdown condemned by human rights groups.

“Anyone committing an act against nature will be punished by five to 10 years’ imprisonment,” compared with one to five years under the current law, Premier Ousmane Sonko told parliament.

Ministers passed the bill to the National Assembly after approving it last week, following multiple arrests of people accused of same-sex relations.

Police this month said they arrested several men, including two local celebrities and a well-known journalist, under anti-LGBTQ laws. Punch