Senegal prime minister defends anti-lgbtq law amid global backlash

On May 22, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko delivered a forceful response to lawmakers during a heated parliamentary session, marking his fifth address in the current legislative cycle. The session centered on a contentious new law that significantly increases prison sentences for same-sex relationships, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from both domestic and international observers.

The Prime Minister was directly questioned about the recent enforcement of the legislation, which has already led to over a hundred arrests in the past three months. Notably, a coalition of African intellectuals issued a public appeal on May 18, urging the government to reconsider the law before its full implementation. However, Sonko dismissed these calls outright, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to cracking down on what he described as the “alarming spread of homosexuality.”

With unwavering resolve, the Prime Minister demanded that the judiciary apply the law with “absolute fairness and rigor,” emphasizing that no individual—regardless of status—would be exempt from prosecution. This stance follows the detention of several high-profile figures with ties to his political circle, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to enforcement.

In response to the mounting international backlash, particularly from Western nations, Sonko struck a defiant tone. He singled out Paris for criticism, accusing certain foreign governments of engaging in “empty posturing” while attempting to impose their values on Senegal through what he termed the “dictatorship of Western media.”

His remarks escalated into a broader rejection of external interference, declaring: “If they choose to adopt such practices, that is their choice—but we will not accept lectures from anyone.” He further warned that the government would not hesitate to strengthen the law if necessary, leaving no doubt about its determination to uphold the controversial legislation.