Senegal lawmakers approve new bill toughening punishment for homosexual acts

Senegal’s parliament has approved a bill that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the largely conservative West African nation

DAKAR, Senegal -- DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Senegal 's parliament has approved a new bill that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the largely Muslim West African nation, the latest African country imposing harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.

The new bill, which was introduced to parliament last month by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, describes homosexual acts as being "against nature.” It doubles the punishment for those convicted from prison sentences of one to five years to between five and 10 years.

Nearly all lawmakers voted in favor of the bill during Wednesday's plenary, with no opposition and three abstentions. It needs presidential assent before becoming a law.

In another change, the proposed law punishes what it calls the “promotion” or “financing” of homosexuality, an attempt to crack down on organizations that support sexual and gender minorities.

The fines for the offense were also raised to a maximum of 10 million CFA ($17,609), but the bill retains the offense as a misdemeanor rather than a crime. During the parliamentary session, ministers argued that the previous 1966 law was too lenient.