Under existing law in the West African country, homosexuality is already punishable by up to five years in jail. Eleven MPs initiated the draft law including at least one belonging to the ruling party, asserting that they had the support of highly influential religious groups. Homosexuality is widely considered deviant in Senegal, which is 95 percent Muslim. Under existing law, homosexual acts may be punishable by between a year and five years in prison along with fines ranging from 152 to 2,286 euros ($170 to $2,580). Mamadou Lamine Diallo, the lawmaker who spearheaded the bill, said it was inspired by the umbrella group And Samm Jikko, whose name means “together for the safeguard of values” in Senegal’s main Wolof language.

Source: The Guardian January 05, 2022 19:12 UTC