Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has asked for the passage of a draft law that would double the prison term for same-sex offenders.
He wants five to 10 years jail term those who engage in the practice and other conduct deemed unnatural as part of a wider crackdown on LGBT people.
Sonko told parliament on Tuesday that the law would apply to all sexual acts between two people of the same sex, and the maximum prison sentence would be applied to any act committed with a person under the age of 21.
Those found guilty could also face fines ranging from 2 million to 10 million CFA (around $3,590 to $17,953).
Sonko said lawmakers of all parties must support the law. He has blamed the West for promoting support for LGBT rights and communities in Senegal and fomenting political controversy.
“Those in the opposition who are stirring things up will go to their Western masters and say, look how bad they are. They are repressing homosexuals,” Sonko said, adding that “They don’t even believe what they are saying.”
The draft law has been approved by Senegal’s council of ministers and must be ratified by the national assembly. A date for the vote has not been set yet.
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