Senegal doubles punishment for homesexual convicts

DAKAR-(MaraviPost)-Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has signed into law a controversial bill that doubles prison terms for same-sex relations to up to 10 years and criminalizes what authorities describe as the “promotion” of homosexuality.

The move follows overwhelming parliamentary approval earlier this month and fulfills campaign promises made by Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko ahead of the 2024 elections.

The new law also significantly raises fines and broadens the scope of offenses, with those accused of supporting or financing such activities now facing jail time.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights groups, with UN rights chief Volker Turk warning the law undermines fundamental freedoms including dignity, privacy and expression, even as Senegal’s government maintains its stance amid growing domestic support for tougher measures.

Source:DWAfrica

Lloyd M’bwana

I’m a Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resource (LUANAR)’s Environmental Science graduate (Malawi) and UK’s ICM Journalism and Media studies scholar. Also University of Malawi (UNIMA) Library Science Scholar. I have been The Malawi Country Manager and duty editor for the Maravi Post since 2019. My duty editor’s job is to ensure that the news is covered properly, that it is delivered on time, and that it is created to the standards set out in the editorial guidelines of the Maravi Post.