French advocacy groups and elected officials are intensifying their efforts to support LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal, following the country’s recent enactment of a stringent law. On March 11, Senegal introduced legislation imposing severe penalties, with homosexual relations now punishable by five to ten years in prison. In response, the association STOP Homophobie is actively assisting 68 people currently detained in Senegal.

Beyond legal aid, STOP Homophobie is providing shelter for several refugees in the greater Paris area and facilitating the relocation of approximately fifty individuals to France. The organization established a dedicated telephone helpline, which, according to Secretary General Terrence Khatchadourian, has been overwhelmed with calls. “Just two weeks ago, we had reached 3,000 calls, and our system was simply not equipped to handle such a volume,” Khatchadourian stated, underscoring the urgent need for assistance among the affected population.

“France’s response falls short”

However, activist Jean-Luc Romero-Michel asserts that current efforts are insufficient. “The messages I receive are constant; these individuals are struggling to obtain humanitarian visas. Presently, France is not meeting the demands of this crisis,” lamented the former Deputy Mayor of Paris.

In a tangible move to address the situation, Paris Councillor Ian Brossat is scheduled to propose a plan to the Municipal Council this Tuesday. His initiative aims to allocate housing for Senegalese citizens seeking refuge from persecution. Brossat emphasized the importance of action over mere condemnation, remarking, “While it is commendable to express outrage over events in Senegal, it is far more impactful to offer concrete refuge to those impacted.”