Senegal’s Prime Minister Sonko condemns homosexuality amid rising tensions
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has intensified his rhetoric against homosexuality, accusing Western nations of attempting to “impose this practice on the rest of the world.” This declaration comes at a time when the country is already grappling with significant hostility toward LGBTQ+ individuals, marked by recent arrests for alleged same-sex relations.
In early March, Senegal passed legislation doubling penalties for same-sex relations, with sentences now ranging from five to ten years in prison. The law was officially enacted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on March 31.
Rejection of foreign criticism
Addressing lawmakers, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko dismissed international criticism, particularly from France. He also ruled out any moratorium on enforcing the law, despite a mid-May appeal from over thirty African-origin personalities published in a French newspaper. These figures warned of a “climate of fear, hatred, and violence” that has taken hold since the law’s passage.
“Putting an end to the ‘proliferation’ of homosexuality.”
Instead of backing down, Sonko urged the judiciary to enforce the law “fully and effectively,” arguing that its goal was to curb the “spread” of homosexuality. While this rhetoric resonates politically within Senegal, it has raised serious concerns. By further criminalizing consensual adult relationships, authorities risk fueling discrimination, denunciations, and violence. Regardless of differing perspectives on the issue, the defense of human dignity and protection against hate must remain fundamental principles.
