Senegal: Reject The Anti-LGBT+ bill
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Twelve men were arrested in Dakar and face prison for who they are. A new bill could raise sentences and criminalize so-called “promotion”.

Pape Cheikh Diallo is a well-known television presenter. Djiby Dramé is a musician. Others are tailors, stylists, photographers, and young men meeting friends.

Today, they are in prison.

They were arrested in Senegal and charged with committing “unnatural acts” – a term used to punish people for same-sex relationships. Some were also accused of “intentional transmission of HIV.” Some now face years behind bars. 

Across the country, more arrests are taking place. Police have detained men in apartments, at private gatherings, and even while preparing for a fashion show. Intense media coverage has exposed names and faces, fueling stigma and fear.  Families are exposed. Careers are shattered.

No one should be arrested for who they are. No one should face prison for loving someone of the same sex.

The right to equal treatment before the law, the right to privacy, and the right to live free from discrimination are basic human rights. When a state uses criminal law to punish people for private, consensual relationships, it violates those rights.

Senegal already has a law that allows prison sentences of up to five years for same-sex conduct. Parliament has twice rejected efforts since 2022 to increase penalties. Yet now, a new bill sent to the National Assembly would increase the maximum sentence to 10 years and expand punishment beyond relationships themselves by criminalizing so-called “promotion” or “advocacy”, and even the “funding” or “support” of activities the authorities label as promoting homosexuality.

When fear replaces protection, everyone’s freedom becomes more fragile. Criminalizing speech and solidarity can also threaten freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the right to live without arbitrary arrest.

Senegal has obligations under its own constitution and under international human rights law to protect the dignity, safety, and equality of all people within its borders.

We call on Senegal’s authorities to release those detained for consensual same-sex relationships and to reject this new bill that would raise sentences and widen criminalization.

We also call on the European Commission to raise these arrests and this proposed legal crackdown in its political dialogue and cooperation with Senegal. This is not about imposing values. It is about stopping a new law that would put even more people at risk simply for being LGBT+ or for defending their rights.

These arrests are happening now. Some of those detained are awaiting trial. The longer this climate of fear continues, the greater the harm – to individuals, to families, and to the rule of law.

Sign this petition to urge Senegal’s authorities to uphold equal protection and end these arrests, and to call on the European Commission to use its political dialogue and cooperation frameworks to defend fundamental human rights.

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Goal: 10,000

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye; Minister of Justice; Members of the National Assembly of Senegal; President of the European Commission; High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

We express our deep concern over the recent arrests and prosecutions of individuals accused of committing “unnatural acts” in Senegal.

Several men, including public figures and private citizens, have been detained, charged, and in some cases sentenced to prison for alleged same-sex relationships. Reports also indicate growing pressure to strengthen existing laws and to criminalize so-called “promotion” or “advocacy” of same-sex relationships, including through provisions that would penalize “funding” or “support” for activities labelled as promoting homosexuality.

No one should face arrest or imprisonment because of who they are or whom they love.

The rights to privacy, equal treatment before the law, freedom of expression, and protection from discrimination are fundamental human rights. They are protected under Senegal’s Constitution and under international human rights treaties to which Senegal is a party.

To the authorities of Senegal

We respectfully urge you to:

• Ensure that no one is arrested or detained for consensual same-sex relationships.

•Reject any bill that would increase prison sentences and widen criminalization to speech, advocacy, solidarity, or civil society work.

• Reject any proposal that would criminalize speech or so-called “promotion of homosexuality.”

To the European Commission and the High Representative of the European Union

We respectfully urge you to:

• Publicly raise concerns about these arrests and the proposed bill in your political dialogue with Senegal.

• Call for the release of those detained for consensual same-sex relationships.

• Ensure that respect for human rights, equal protection, and freedom from arbitrary arrest remain central in EU cooperation with Senegal.

• Support efforts that promote rule of law and non-discrimination.

The European Union has committed to advancing human rights in its external action. These commitments should guide engagement with Senegal.

A state’s strength is measured by how it protects the rights of all its people, including those who are vulnerable or unpopular.

We call on you to uphold Senegal’s constitutional and international obligations and to ensure that dignity, equality, and safety are guaranteed for everyone.

0people have signed
Goal: 10,000

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