Senegal’s prime minister condemns western pressure on homosexuality laws

Tensions escalated in Senegal over the issue of homosexuality as Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko delivered a sharp rebuke against Western nations during a parliamentary session on May 22. He condemned what he described as an attempt by Western powers to impose their cultural values on the rest of the world, particularly targeting the normalization of homosexuality.

This declaration follows the recent tightening of laws in Senegal concerning same-sex relationships. Enacted in late March, the legislation now doubles the penalties for individuals found guilty of homosexual acts, increasing sentences to between five and ten years in prison. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signed the bill into law on March 31, amid an already tense climate marked by widespread opposition to homosexuality and multiple arrests on related charges.

Western “tyranny” over cultural values

Addressing lawmakers, Ousmane Sonko did not mince his words. He labeled the Western approach as a form of “tyranny,” accusing a small group of countries of attempting to force their societal norms onto the global stage. “Why should we accept their imposition?” he questioned, rejecting outright the idea of any compromise on the matter.

The Prime Minister specifically called out France, highlighting what he perceived as excessive rhetoric and interference from Western nations. “If they choose to adopt such practices, that is their prerogative,” he stated. “However, we will not accept lessons from them—absolutely not.”

No retreat on new legislation

Ousmane Sonko contrasted the vocal stance of Western countries with the silence of African, Arab, and Asian nations, accusing the West of attempting to enforce its cultural dominance. He made it clear that Senegal would not entertain any moratorium on the enforcement of the new law, signaling the possibility of even stricter measures in the future. “If the law needs to be strengthened, it will be,” he asserted firmly before the assembled legislators.