Senegal Prime Minister Says West Seeks to Impose Homosexuality

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko told lawmakers on Friday, May 22, that Western nations are attempting to impose homosexuality on the rest of the world. He made the remarks during an address to the National Assembly in Dakar. Sonko said a majority of the world's population rejects same-sex relations.

He stated that no Arab or African country would criticize Senegal's position, but that a group of Western nations seeks to enforce its views through control of media and financial resources. The prime minister also addressed recent criticism from abroad, particularly from France.

He said Senegal would not accept lectures on the matter and rejected any moratorium on enforcement of the new law.

A law passed in early March and signed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye at the end of March doubled prison sentences for same-sex relations. Acts against nature are now punishable by five to 10 years in prison, up from one to five years previously.

The measure also sets prison terms of three to seven years for promoting or financing same-sex relationships. Dozens of arrests have already occurred under the updated statute. Sonko said the justice system must apply the law in full and indicated the legislation could be strengthened if necessary.

Sonko had previously pledged to criminalize same-sex relations before taking office in 2024. The new penalties took effect after parliament approved the measure by a wide margin.