Senegal’s parliament has approved a new law doubling to 10 years the maximum prison term for sexual acts by same-sex couples and criminalizing the “promotion” of homosexuality.
The measure was supported by 135 MPs, none voted against it while three abstained. The next step will be for the president to sign it into law.
The legislation, which was a campaign promise of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, was sent to parliament after a wave of arrests over alleged same-sex relationships, already banned under Senegalese law.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk said the bill was “deeply worrying” and urged the president not to sign it.
The government spokesman dismissed international criticism of the bill, arguing that the move reflected the views of Senegalese people.
“The majority of Senegalese do not accept homosexuality. Our culture rejects it and we are firmly opposed to it,” said Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarré.
Some conservative activists in Senegal have long demanded harsher penalties.
You can read the rest of this BBC article after the jump.
