Senegal reaffirms strict enforcement of anti-natural acts law amid global scrutiny

The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has firmly declared before lawmakers that the newly enacted legislation targeting acts against nature will be enforced with unwavering rigor. Speaking during a parliamentary session on urgent matters, Sonko dismissed international criticism leveled at the recently passed bill.

Addressing the National Assembly, the Prime Minister underscored the critical importance of strict and impartial enforcement of the revised Senegalese Penal Code, specifically the amended Article 319. He emphasized that once a law is ratified and signed, compliance is mandatory for every citizen, regardless of prior opposition during legislative debates.

The controversial law, signed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on March 27, 2026, updates Article 319 of the 1965 Penal Code. The reform introduces stricter penalties for what are termed “acts against nature,” while also criminalizing their advocacy and financing. Convicted individuals now face imprisonment ranging from five to ten years, alongside fines between two and ten million West African CFA francs.

In response to condemnation from Western governments, including France, Sonko championed Senegal’s legislative independence. He asserted that Senegalese society retains the autonomy to define its moral and legal boundaries, stating that the country requires no external guidance on such matters.

The Prime Minister framed the reform as a societal safeguard, citing public health concerns—particularly the spread of HIV—as a key motivation behind the legislation. He categorically ruled out any possibility of a moratorium following the law’s enactment, signaling the government’s commitment to its full implementation.