The Senegalese government has taken a key step in strengthening its repressive apparatus. On Wednesday, February 18, the Council of Ministers adopted a bill aimed at increasing penalties for so-called "unnatural" acts. This measure, championed by the Pastef party, fulfills a campaign promise of the current majority.

What the new text provides for

The bill amends Article 319 of the Penal Code with two main objectives: increasing penalties and broadening the scope of the law.

1. Prison and fines: Prison sentences could double to 10 years , while fines would see a massive increase, rising from a ceiling of 1.5 million to 10 million CFA francs .
2. Criminalization of "apology": The major new development lies in the prosecution of organizations or media outlets (cinema, television, press) promoting the "LGBT philosophy." According to the Minister of Culture, Amadou Ba, these values are deemed incompatible with Senegalese customs.
3. Safeguard against slander: To prevent abuses, the text provides for sanctions (2 to 3 years in prison) for any accusation of homosexuality without formal proof.

A climate of concern for freedoms

The announcement of this text comes amid tensions marked by recent arrests in Dakar. Reactions were swift:

1. Fear of "hunting": Testimonies from Senegalese in exile report a growing fear within the local LGBT community, fearing that this law will facilitate denunciations and arrests.
2. Threat to public health: Human Rights Watch warns of the legal ambiguity surrounding the terms "promotion" and "funding." Alex Müller, director at the organization, fears that HIV/AIDS organizations will no longer be able to work with at-risk populations without being criminalized.
3. Accusations of "political homophobia": Human rights defenders denounce a diversionary tactic aimed at using sexual minorities as scapegoats to mask other national issues.

Next step

The text is not yet in effect. It must now be submitted to a vote in the National Assembly to be definitively adopted and enter into force.