Senegal’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ people continues, with 71 people referred to a criminal court following a mass arrest operation amid the country’s escalating criminalisation of same-sex intimacy.
At least 99 people were arrested on suspicion of same-sex intimacy in a widespread crackdown this year, which includes the passage of a new law that significantly increased penalties for consensual same-sex sexual activity.
71 people referred to criminal court
According to reports, the Pikine-Guédiawaye District Court released 28 of those arrested without charge earlier this month.
The remaining 71 have been referred to the criminal court on charges including criminal conspiracy and so-called “acts against nature”.
The investigating judge dismissed additional allegations that the accused had endangered the lives of others or intentionally transmitted HIV/AIDS.
The public prosecutor’s office has appealed the decision to dismiss the charges against the 28 people released without charge.
The crackdown has also expanded beyond men. In late July, eight women were reportedly arrested in the Pikine-Guédiawaye area in connection with the same investigation.
Senegal doubles penalties for same-sex intimacy
In March, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signed a new anti-LGBTQ+ law that effectively doubled the penalties for consensual same-sex intimacy.
The legislation defines “acts against nature” as sexual acts between people of the same sex and increases the maximum prison sentence from five to 10 years. It also raises the fine to between two million and 10 million CFA francs.
The law also criminalises the funding and so-called “promotion of LGBT ideology”, clamping down on free speech and outlawing any advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights under threat of three to seven years’ imprisonment.
First conviction under the new law
The crackdown has already resulted in convictions under the harsher legislation.
In April, a 24-year-old man became to first to fall victim to the extreme legislation when he was sentenced to six years in prison for committing “acts against nature and public indecency”.
In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a fine of 2 million CFA (approximately $3,300).
A wave of repression in West Africa
Human rights organisations have warned that Senegal’s escalating repression is fuelling fear among LGBTQ+ people and undermining access to essential health services, including HIV prevention and treatment.
Human Rights Watch has called for the release of people arrested under discriminatory laws and urged Senegal to repeal legislation criminalising consensual same-sex relationships.
On 29 June, the country’s National Assembly also voted to adopt an amendment to the Constitution that defines marriage as a union only between a man and a woman.
Senegal’s escalating crackdown places the country among a growing number of African states, particularly in West Africa, strengthening laws and enforcement against LGBTQ+ people.
