Senegal’s parliament has overwhelmingly approved a controversial bill that doubles prison sentences for same-sex relations to up to 10 years, alongside hefty fines and new penalties for “promoting” homosexuality.
The move, just days after European Union Commissioners hailed a deepening strategic partnership with the West African country during a high-profile visit to Dakar, has sparked concerns about the compatibility of European Union values with its growing investments in the region.
The bill, passed by Senegal’s National Assembly on March 11 with 135 votes in favour, zero against and three abstentions, awaits the signature of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
During the debates, several MPs gave passionate speeches, stressing that homosexuality was incompatible with the country’s culture and that homosexuals did not enjoy the right of free speech in Senegal.
« Les homosexuels n’auront plus de liberté d’expression dans ce pays… », déclare la députée Diaraye Ba https://t.co/wq4eQX6aPX pic.twitter.com/aqsd1BdJBm
— Vie Publique SN (@ViePubliqueSN) March 11, 2026
The bill escalates penalties from the existing five-year maximum to 10, criminalises the financing or advocacy of same-sex relationships. It has has been championed by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as part of a broader social and cultural agenda.
Offenders can be fined up to 10 million CFA francs (around €15,245).
There are also fines for people falsely accusing others of being gay.
Rights groups have decried the legislation as a severe blow to human rights, warning it could fuel violence and discrimination against the LGBT community in a country where same-sex acts were already illegal.
This development comes on the heels of a March 2-3 visit by EU Commissioners Jozef Šikela (International Partnerships) and Magnus Brunner (Migration and Home Affairs), aimed at bolstering ties under a proposed Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership.
The duo met with Faye and other officials to advance co-operation on three key pillars: Economic transformation through the EU’s Global Gateway initiative; peace and security in the Sahel region; and managed migration.
Brussels recently launched LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026-2030, which commits to combating discrimination and hate crimes across the EU and in external relations.
This seemed to have little effect in the relationship with Senegal, though.
Luxembourg’s foreign minister Xavier Bettel, an openly gay politician, has already condemned the bill as “deeply concerning,” equating it to treating homosexuality on par with acts like zoophilia or necrophilia.
Apprendre que la semaine prochaine, le Sénégal veut légiférer en considérant l’homosexualité ou la bisexualité comme des actes punissables de même nature que la zoophilie ou la nécrophilie est profondément préoccupant.
— Xavier Bettel (@Xavier_Bettel) March 8, 2026
The EC said it took note oof the developments in Senegal during the midday press briefing yesterday, stressing that Senegal is also a party in international conventions on human rights.
Foreign policy spokesman Anouar El Anouni said the EC reiterated its deep concern about the alarming rates of violence, discrimination, hate speech and stigmatisation against LGBTI people around the world. It reiterated its support for the universal decriminalisation of consensual same sex relations.
El Anouni said Brussels would “monitor the situation in Senegal very closely”.
In a reaction to Brussels Signal, an EC spokesperson said the bill on homosexuality in Senegal “was not discussed during last week’s visit”.
“The EU and Senegal maintain a broad and longstanding partnership based on dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation across many areas.
“As with all EU partnerships, human rights remain an integral part of our engagement and are regularly addressed through political dialogue and supported through dedicated projects,” the spokesperson said.
“In its engagement with partner countries, the EU aims to promote human rights, protect people in vulnerable situations and support human rights defenders. The EU will continue to raise all the issues with the Senegalese authorities as part of our partnership dialogue and through the appropriate diplomatic channels.
“A future Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership will offer an additional opportunity to engage,” the spokesperson added.
During the trip, the Commissioners oversaw the handover of patrol boats and motorised vessels to Senegal’s National Police and Gendarmerie, as well as the inauguration of a new Maritime Maintenance Centre under the Joint Operational Programme II.
These assets are intended to enhance border and maritime security, combat migrant smuggling and address organised crime, contributing to a reported 74 per cent drop in irregular departures from Senegal last year.
On the investment front, Šikela highlighted €100 million in EU blending funds that have mobilised €1.3 billion for projects in infrastructure, energy, digitalisation, agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
A visit to the Regional Express Train (TER) site underscored plans for Phase 3 extension, financed in part by the EU and French Development Agency, to improve regional connectivity along the Praia-Dakar-Abidjan corridor.
The visit was framed as a success in promoting “shared responsibility” on migration and stability, with both sides emphasising mutual benefits.
Yet the swift passage of the anti-LGBT bill has cast a shadow over the meeting, raising questions about the EU’s ability to align its partnerships with values such as human rights and non-discrimination.
Senegal is also a recipient of significant development aid from European member states.
