Dakar: The Senegalese Minister of the Interior and Public Security, Mouhamadou Bamba Ciss, has unveiled the key components of a new draft law aimed at specifying and strengthening penalties for acts deemed against nature. These acts are now explicitly defined to include any sexual or sexually charged activity between individuals of the same sex, as well as necrophilia and zoophilia. According to Burkina Information Agency, the draft law, presented by Mr. Ciss, proposes amendments to article 319 of law no. 65-60 of July 21, 1965, in the Penal Code. It prescribes a prison sentence ranging from five to ten years, and fines between two to ten million CFA francs for those found guilty of such acts. In cases where the acts constitute rape or a crime, more severe penalties may apply. The legislation introduces a "penal lock" with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, eliminating the possibility of suspended sentences for these offences as a deterrent measure. The bill also imposes penalties on t he glorification and promotion of these acts through public dissemination, including writing, images, or sound, with punishments of three to seven years in prison and fines between 500,000 to five million CFA francs. Moreover, the legislation targets those who financially support or promote such activities, as intention to do so is considered a moral element of the crime. Additionally, making false public accusations is punishable by two to five years in prison and fines ranging from 500,000 to two million CFA francs. The draft law also allows for the prosecution of Senegalese citizens who commit these offences abroad, provided they are also punishable in the jurisdiction where they occurred. Mr. Ciss emphasized the importance of curbing the misuse of public broadcasting media to ensure the effective enforcement of these sanctions. Bill No. 05/2026, which amends Article 319 of Law No. 65-60, has been passed by a majority of deputies and is awaiting ratification by the Head of State for final implementation .