Senegal rejects a proposal to strengthen its anti-LGBT laws
www.athleticshour.com | Senegal LGBTQ+
Senegalese MPs blocked a draft measure that would have toughened existing harsh rules against same-sex relationships from being put to legislative vote on Tuesday. Senegal rejects a proposal to strengthen its anti-LGBT laws.
According to a 2020 global review by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, gay sex is punishable by up to five years in jail in Senegal, where arrests and convictions have increased dramatically (ILGA).
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Senegalese MPs blocked a draft measure that would have toughened existing harsh rules against same-sex relationships from being put to legislative vote on Tuesday.
According to a 2020 global review by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, gay sex is punishable by up to five years in jail in Senegal, where arrests and convictions have increased dramatically (ILGA).
However, in December, a group of legislators proposed a new measure that would increase prison sentences to up to ten years and criminalize LGBT+ activity in particular. Anyone who commits a “act against nature” with people of the same gender is subject to the current law.
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The proposed bill has been rejected by lawmakers in the national assembly’s bureau, who decide which draft laws will be presented to a vote in parliament, according to a statement from the bureau.
The existing legislation is adequately explicit, and the consequences are harsh, according to the report.
Source: Reuters.com