Senegal‘s approach to homosexuality has undergone significant transformations since its colonial days. What began as a relatively tolerant stance has evolved into a harsh legal and social environment for the LGBT community. This complex journey reflects broader societal changes and political dynamics in the West African nation.
The roots of Senegal’s current stance on homosexuality can be traced back to its colonial past. Unlike the British Empire, France did not impose strict anti-sodomy laws during its rule. In fact, France had decriminalized private homosexual acts as early as the Revolution of 1791and the Napoleonic Code of 1810 did not reintroduce such penalties. However, this tolerance did not translate into lasting acceptance once Senegal gained independence.
The Birth of Legal Homophobia in 1966
The turning point came in 1966when Senegal’s newly independent government introduced Article 319 into its penal code. This article criminalized “impudent and unnatural acts” between individuals of the same sex. Despite the progressive reputation of Senegal’s first president, Léopold Sédar Senghorthe law marked the beginning of state-sponsored homophobia.
For several decades, the law remained largely unenforced, allowing a degree of quiet coexistence. The term goor-jigéenmeaning “men-women” in Wolof, was used to describe men who defied traditional gender norms. Senegal even became one of the first African countries to implement HIV prevention programs targeting men who have sex with men. However, this relative tolerance began to erode with the turn of the millennium.
The Tipping Point: The 2008 Marriage Scandal
The year 2008 proved to be a watershed moment in Senegal’s attitude towards homosexuality. A private ceremony photographed and published by the magazine Icône as a “gay marriage” in the town of Mbao sparked a national moral panic. The event triggered a wave of sensationalist media coverage, religious condemnations, and public violence against suspected homosexuals.
This incident catapulted the issue of homosexuality into the national spotlight. Conservative religious groups, such as Jamra and And Samm Jikko Yigained prominence by advocating for stricter laws and portraying homosexuality as a threat to Senegalese values. The government faced intense pressure to take a harder stance, leading to the arrest and trial of nine HIV prevention workers in the so-called “Nine of Mbao” case.
International Pressure and Domestic Resistance
In 2013the issue gained international attention when President Barack Obama visited Senegal and advocated for equal treatment under the law, regardless of sexual orientation. Senegal’s President Macky Sall responded by stating that the country was not yet ready to decriminalize homosexuality, a stance that resonated with many Senegalese citizens.
The following years saw a rise in homophobic rhetoric and violence. The novel De purs hommes by Mohamed Mbougar Sarrpublished in 2018vividly depicted the brutal realities faced by the LGBT community. The book’s powerful message underscored the vulnerability and humanity of homosexual individuals in the face of societal violence.
The political landscape further darkened with the election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko in 2026whose campaign included overtly homophobic elements. In the Parliament passed a law strengthening Article 319sparking celebrations among conservative factions. The law’s enforcement was reaffirmed despite a subsequent government reshuffle, signaling a grim future for Senegal’s LGBT community.
