UNAIDS urges the President not to sign the Bill and calls on Senegal to safeguard life-saving health services including HIV prevention, treatment and care.
UNAIDS statement
GENEVA/DAKAR, 18 March 2026 — On 12 March 2026, the Parliament of Senegal voted overwhelmingly to impose harsher penalties for “unnatural acts” including homosexuality and promoting or encouraging homosexuality. UNAIDS is deeply concerned about the implications for the country’s public health achievements and urges the President not to sign the Bill.
The final adopted text includes a critical public health safeguard clause which UNAIDS urges Senegal to adhere to. The clause reads: “However, activities carried out by duly authorized health structures and organizations within the framework of public health policies shall not be considered as offenses under this article.”
Read the full statement here.
SEE ALSO:
- Erasing 76 Crimes: Senegal parliament votes to double prison time for gay sex
Source : UNAIDS
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