Senegalese PM Ousmane Sonko submits tougher anti-LGBT law
France 24
by FRANCE24February 26, 2026
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Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has submitted a bill to parliament proposing stricter penalties for same-sex relationships, marking a significant shift in the country's stance on LGBTQ+ rights. The legislation seeks to criminalize same-sex relations, with proposed punishments including fines and up to five years in prison for those convicted. This move has sparked widespread controversy both domestically and internationally, as it aligns with broader trends across Africa where anti-LGBTQ+ laws are increasingly being enforced or strengthened.
Senegal, once seen as a more progressive nation in West Africa regarding LGBTQ+ rights compared to neighboring countries like Nigeria and Cameroon, which have notoriously harsh anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The proposed law is part of a larger push
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/26/2026