Senegal amends constitution to block marriage equality
The country's anti-gay purge continues.
Continuing the state-sanctioned persecution of queer people, the National Assembly of Senegal has amended the country's constitution to explicitly prohibit same-sex marriage - defining the term as applying only to "the union between a man and a woman."
The constitutional change is the latest move in a continuing campaign by the government to demonstrate it's anti-gay credentials.
The government seems determined to fuel a nationwide queer purge, resulting in numerous arrests and the public outing of people suspected of same-sex sexual encounters.
HIV status is frequently being linked to suspicions regarding sexuality, resulting in lower testing rates across the country.
It seems that the government - supported by religious leaders - is using repression of homosexuality as a diversion at a time when social discontent is rising, fuelled by a deep economic slump and unmet promises of ambitious reforms.
What's life like for LGBTQ people in Senegal?
What's life like for LGBTQ people in Senegal? Let's take a look at some of the key equality indicators.
Is homosexuality legal in Senegal?
No. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. It can be punished by imprisonment of up to ten years.
Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in Senegal?
No. There are no protections against discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.
Is there Marriage Equality in Senegal?
No. There is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships.
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Senegal?
Senegal is a socially conservative country. Homophobia is systemic.
LGBTQ people conceal their sexuality.
There are numerous examples of LGBTQ people being persecuted and harassed.
