Senegal: Stop the anti-LGBT+ law

In Senegal, 4 MPs, supported by the country's main religious forces, have put forward a bill that would further criminalize LGBTI people and their allies. We call on Senegal's MPs to reject this repressive law.

Currently, article 319 paragraph 3 of the 1966 criminal code in Senegal provides for a sentence of up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to 1,500,000 CFA francs (approximately 2,500 €) for indecent or unnatural acts committed between individuals of the same sex.

A bill that has been in preparation for two years at the initiative of the Collectif And Samm Djikko Yi (League for the Defense of Virtue) aims to further criminalize homosexuality in Senegal, with penalties ranging from 5 to 10 years' imprisonment in addition to a fine of between 1,000,000 and 5,000,000 CFA francs (7,600 €) for any LGBTI person. There is the possibility of withdrawing civil and political rights from those convicted, too.

In addition, human rights defenders and professionals working in close contact with the public would be subject to imprisonment for 3 to 5 years in addition to a fine ranging from 500,000 to 5,000,000 CFA francs for activities related to the so-called "LGBT+ agenda." We fear that both media and NGOs working against HIV/AIDS can be targeted by this law, while the epidemic is highly prevalent in LGBTI communities.

Since September 2020 there has been a steady increase in attacks and arrests targeting LGBTI people in Senegal. If this bill is passed, it will make LGBTI people's lives much harder. Day after day, LGBTI people in Senegal live in fear of a pogrom, while 167 vigilante groups against homosexuality, known as "cellule de veille", crisscross the country, at the initiative of radical groups, with impunity.

Finally, we demand once again that the rule of law be applied in Senegal, especially when it comes to the security of individuals and the respect of human dignity.  

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To the MPs of the Republic of Senegal

Not a week has gone by in Senegal for the past two years without LGBTI people being exposed on the radio, in the press, on television or on social networks. At the same time, physical attacks and arbitrary arrests have never ceased, especially since September 2020. The number of LGBTI Senegalese forced out of their jobs, homes, families, neighborhoods, cities, and country continues to grow daily. As human rights defenders, this situation is becoming unbearable.

Thi new bill, introduced in parliament on December 22, 2021, is hateful and recognizes the right to existence of LGBTI people only in prison. We call on you, dear MPs of the Republic of Senegal, to stop what is a real attack on fundamental human rights. Don't forget that your daughters, sons, nieces, nephews or cousins can be LGBTI people too.

Many Senegalese families may be affected by this law. In a country like Senegal, which presents itself to the world as a democracy, the rule of law must guarantee civil social peace while ensuring the enjoyment of fundamental rights to all citizens, including those belonging to minority groups. As Members of Parliament of the Republic of Senegal, it is both your responsibility and your moral duty to ensure this. 

Everyone has the right to feel free and safe in their own country, with the respect and dignity they deserve. This is why we call on you to stop this bill. The life of LGBTI people is already very difficult, both in the capital Dakar and in the countryside.

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Goal: 500

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