Senegal Doubles Same-Sex Relations Penalty
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Mar 01, 2026 · Last updated Mar 13, 2026
This event is unlikely to have a direct impact on financial markets. However, it could affect foreign investment and international relations for Senegal, particularly with countries that prioritize human rights.
Senegal's parliament has passed a law that doubles the maximum prison term for same-sex relations to 10 years. The bill, introduced by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and awaiting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's signature, also criminalizes promoting or financing such relationships and increases fines. This move intensifies a crackdown on the LGBTQ community in Senegal, with dozens of arrests reported since February. The legislation was approved by an overwhelming majority of 135 votes to zero, with three abstentions. Human Rights Watch and the International Federation for Human Rights have criticized the law, citing violations of human rights. The Senegal — PASTEF party, led by Ousmane Sonko, supported the bill, while religious associations like Ahn Sang-jik urged its swift enactment.
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