Senegal Introduces Legislation To Boost Minimum Sentence For Homosexuality To 5 Years

LAGOS, Nigeria — Senegal ‘s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko introduced authorities successful parliament Tuesday that would toughen nan situation word for homosexuality successful nan West African federation to astatine slightest 5 years from nan existent minimum of 1 year.

The measure besides seeks to broaden nan scope of what is defined arsenic “unnatural acts” nether nan rule that has criminalized homosexuality successful nan blimpish state since its independency from France successful 1960. But nan authorities would not elevate nan crime from nan existent level arsenic a misdemeanor.

“We tin execute nan intended objectives without going truthful acold arsenic to elevate nan acts” to nan level of much superior crimes, Sonko said.

Human authorities groups successful Senegal opportunity that nan business for cheery group successful nan state has been deteriorating since 2018, and that astatine slightest a twelve group person been arrested successful caller weeks complete allegations of homosexuality.

The authorities fulfills 1 of Sonko’s run promises and now needs to beryllium passed successful nan National Assembly, wherever Sonko’s PASTEF statement is successful control.

Adetayo writes for nan Associated Press.