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In Senegal, the office of the National Assembly declared Wednesday, January 6, ” inadmissible »The bill calling for the criminalization of homosexuality. The text, tabled in December by a group of opposition MPs, aimed to toughen existing sanctions.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
For the Bureau of the Assembly, there is no need to change the current legislation. “ All Senegalese know the position defined and affirmed […] by the President of the Republic », Can we read in his press release. “ This position is clear, relevant “, And opposes” to any form of decriminalization and legalization of homosexuality ».
#Senegal The office of the National Assembly declares “inadmissible” the bill aimed at toughening sanctions against homosexuality (press release) #kebetu
— Charlotte Idrac (@CharlotteIdrac) January 5, 2022
The penal code currently provides for up to five years in prison for acts qualified as ” unnatural with an individual of his sex “. But the bill on the initiative of the collective of associations baptized ” And Samm Jikko Yi “Aimed to go further: up to 10 years in prison for those convicted of” lesbianism, homosexuality, bisexuality, transsexuality, intersexuality, bestiality, necrophilia and other related practices ».
A “false debate” for the majority
The text is qualified as “ liberticide By the Free Senegal collective, which defends the rights of homosexuals. The majority parliamentary group Benno Bokk Yakaar had already announced that he would not vote in favor of this bill, denouncing a “ false debate “, Launched according to him” with political objectives ”, On the eve of the local elections. “ The legislation is clear on this subject “Wrote the group president on December 25,” no need to add or remove a comma ».
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