22 may 2026

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko enforces strict anti-gay law at national assembly

During a high-stakes parliamentary session, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko delivered a resolute defense of the newly strengthened legislation targeting acts against nature. Addressing lawmakers in a charged debate, he presented a firm and uncompromising stance, declaring the government’s determination to curb what he described as a growing societal threat.

A law of general application, not targeting individuals

Addressing concerns about potential targeting, Ousmane Sonko clarified that the law, once enacted, applies uniformly without discrimination. « Laws are impersonal by nature. No one has sought to single out any group or individual, » he stated emphatically before the assembly.

Religious and community support for the legislative move

The Prime Minister highlighted strong backing from religious leaders across the country, noting that prominent clerics and faith-based organizations had reached out to express their approval of the government’s initiative.

Warning against societal normalization of harmful practices

In a powerful address, Ousmane Sonko raised alarms about reported networks allegedly promoting these acts, including instances involving financial incentives for young students. Without decisive action, he warned, such behavior could become normalized within Senegalese society.

Judiciary urged to uphold the law with full rigor

Sonko called on the justice system to implement the new law with unwavering impartiality and thoroughness. « The courts must ensure the complete, integral, and fair application of this legislation, » he declared. He also vowed that no one would be shielded from accountability, stating bluntly, « We will not protect the big fish. »

Rejecting foreign influence on domestic matters

Reaffirming Senegal’s sovereignty, the Prime Minister dismissed any notion of external pressure influencing the nation’s moral and legal choices. Referencing Western countries, he asserted that Senegal will not accept unsolicited guidance. « We owe no lessons to anyone, » he declared, emphasizing that the Senegalese people, as a whole, oppose such practices.

He further criticized what he termed cultural imposition by certain Western nations seeking to impose alien social models on African societies. He also lambasted a segment of Senegal’s elite, accusing them of harboring inferiority complexes in the face of Western ideological pressures.

No moratorium or softening of stance

Concluding his remarks, Ousmane Sonko categorically ruled out any possibility of suspending or relaxing the newly enacted law. « There will be no moratorium, » he stated firmly, reaffirming the government’s resolve to enforce the measure in full.

Key takeaways:

• The law applies universally without targeting any individual or group.
• Religious leaders across Senegal have endorsed the government’s initiative.
• The Prime Minister warned of normalized harmful practices without state intervention.
• The judiciary has been instructed to apply the law with full impartiality and rigor.
• Senegal rejects external interference in its domestic moral and legal frameworks.
• No moratorium or relaxation of the law will be considered.