Senegal approves tougher anti-gay law as rights groups raise concerns
"Violence and fear" will spike and "equality and non-discrimination" will be trampled on, warn critics.
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Notable Quotes
"The majority of Senegalese do not accept homosexuality. Our culture rejects it and we are firmly opposed to it."
— Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarré , Activist
"Criminalising same-sex conduct and arresting people for their sexual orientation violates multiple internationally protected rights, including equality and non-discrimination."
— Larissa Kojoué , Academic
"All that will happen is people will be hiding more, it will create more fear and people will be scared to live normally in that community."
— Charles Dotou , Activist
"But what is happening now risks undermining the results of 30 to 35 years of efforts."
— Dr. Safiétou Thiam , Executive
"Estamos en pánico. Basta con la mínima denuncia para que te señalen por la calle y vengan a por ti."
— Pierre , Activist
"Denunció la 'mala fe' del Gobierno y del partido gubernamental Pastef."
— Tierno Alassane Sall , Politician
"Homosexuals will no longer breathe in this country. Homosexuals will no longer have freedom of expression in this country."
— Diaraye Ba , Politician
"Homosexuals will no longer breathe in this country. Homosexuals will no longer have freedom of expression in this country."
— Diaraye Ba , Politician
Key People
Founder of Afrikajom Center discussing social tensions related to the law.
Government spokesman defending the new anti-gay legislation.
President of Senegal and advocate for tougher anti-gay legislation.
Senegal LGBTQ Association head discussing the impact of the law.
Lawmaker in Senegal noted for her comments regarding freedom of expression for homosexuals.
Executive Secretary of the National Council for the Fight Against Aids in Senegal.
A researcher at Human Rights Watch concerned about the proposed law.
Senegal's Prime Minister who introduced legislation to increase penalties for same-sex relations.
Pierre is a pseudonymous member of the LGTBI+ community in Senegal expressing fears about safety amid rising homophobia.
Tierno Alassane Sall is an opposition deputy in Senegal who criticized the government's approach to the law.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
"Violence and fear" will spike and "equality and non-discrimination" will be trampled on, warn critics.
Senegal's parliament has approved a bill doubling prison sentences for homosexual acts and introducing severe fines, aligning with over 30 African countries that criminalize same-sex relationships.
The LGBTQ+ community in Senegal faces escalating violence and stigmatization, hindering the country's progress in combating HIV/AIDS, with reports of increased attacks and arrests.
Senegal's parliament has approved a legal reform significantly increasing penalties for homosexuality, raising prison sentences and fines, amid growing homophobia and a climate of fear for the LGBTQ+ community.
Senegal's parliament has passed legislation doubling the maximum penalty for same-sex relations to 10 years in prison, amid a crackdown on the country's gay community.
Senegal's parliament has passed legislation doubling the maximum penalty for same-sex relations to 10 years in prison, amid a crackdown on the country's gay community.
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