Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made this announcement during a National Assembly session where deputies questioned government policies.

The new legislation, passed in March 2026, expands the definition of “unnatural acts” to include same-sex relationships, with penalties ranging from five to ten years imprisonment and fines between 2 million and 10 million West African CFA francs. The law also criminalizes advocacy and financial support for such activities.

Sovereign nation defends its moral values

Sonko dismissed Western criticism, emphasizing that Senegal’s laws reflect the will of its people. “The Senegalese people are sovereign. The vast majority reject certain practices that have no place in our society,” he stated.

He condemned what he described as “Western tyranny” attempting to impose LGBTQ+ rights globally, arguing that a small group within Western nations controls media narratives to influence global standards.

“Eight billion people exist worldwide, yet a handful in the West — despite internal debates — use their economic power and media dominance to force their views on the rest of humanity. On what grounds?” Sonko questioned.

“This law will be implemented without exceptions,” he declared. “No moratorium will be considered after its promulgation.”

Expanded legal framework

The amended legislation, known as Law No. 2026-08 (March 27, 2026), modifies Article 319 of the 1965 Penal Code. It now defines “unnatural acts” as:

• Any sexual act between individuals of the same sex
• Sexual acts involving a corpse or an animal

Penalties for violations include imprisonment and substantial fines, with harsher consequences if the acts involve rape or pedophilia.