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According to Reuters, activists in Senegal working to strengthen laws against homosexuality consulted with MassResistance, an American group that describes itself as “pro-family.” The organization has long campaigned against same-sex marriage and transgender rights in the United States and has recently expanded outreach in Africa.

Senegalese campaigners seeking tougher laws reportedly discussed campaign strategy and mobilization tactics with the group while advocating for stricter penalties targeting LGBTQ people and those who support them.

The involvement has sparked debate among human rights groups, who argue that transnational networks are helping shape anti-LGBT legislation across several African countries.

Senegal’s Anti-LGBT Laws

Same-sex relations have long been illegal in Senegal. Article 319 of the country’s penal code criminalizes “acts against nature” between people of the same sex, historically punishable by one to five years in prison and fines, says Outright International.

In March 2026, Senegal’s parliament passed a new bill significantly increasing those penalties. The legislation doubles the maximum prison sentence to ten years for same-sex sexual activity and introduces additional penalties for promoting or financing LGBTQ advocacy.

The bill passed nearly unanimously in the National Assembly and was introduced as part of campaign promises from political leaders following the 2024 elections.

Human rights organizations warn that the law could worsen an already hostile environment for LGBTQ individuals. Reports suggest arrests and public denunciations have increased in recent years under existing laws targeting same-sex relationships.

Activist Networks and International Influence

MassResistance has previously supported conservative campaigns abroad and has worked with activists in other African countries pushing anti-LGBT legislation. Reuters reported that the collaboration in Senegal may represent the first instance of a U.S. organization playing a direct role in passing such legislation in Africa since recent political shifts in Washington.

The group argues that it supports traditional family values and opposes what it calls the “promotion” of homosexuality. Critics, however, say such campaigns undermine human rights and public health efforts.

Health experts warn that harsher criminalization may push LGBTQ communities underground, making it more difficult to reach populations vulnerable to HIV with prevention and treatment programs.

Rising Regional Tensions Over LGBTQ Rights

Senegal’s move is part of a broader wave of anti-LGBT legislation across parts of Africa. Several countries—including Somalia, Uganda, and Kenya—have debated or passed laws imposing severe penalties for same-sex relationships or LGBTQ advocacy.

At the same time, international human rights organizations argue that these laws violate protections for privacy, dignity, and freedom of expression. Volker Türk, the U.N. Human Rights Chief, has called on Senegal’s president not to sign the legislation into law. “It flies in the face of the sacrosanct human rights we all enjoy: the rights to respect, dignity, privacy, equality and freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly,” Türk said.

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