"A report from Reuters over the weekend revealed that US lobbyist organisation MassResistance, which describes itself as "pro family," worked with Senegalese campaigners to push for the legislation's passage. The Massachusetts-based organisation, which claims that LGBTQ+ rights are an attack on so-called "cultural norms," reportedly worked with Senegalese Islamic and civil rights network Samm Jikko Yi to outline a campaign strategy supporting further restrictions on homosexuality."
"Senegal lawmakers supportive of the new bill declared that LGBTQ+ citizens would no longer be able to "breathe in this country" adding to applause that they planned to strip all their freedoms. While homosexuality has been illegal in the African nation since the mid-1960s, the newly passed law makes openly identifying as queer punishable by up to 10 years in prison."
"Officials representing both groups reportedly discussed ways to raise awareness, garner support for their cause, and mobilising alongside Senegalese authorities, according to Samm Jikko Yi's former coordinator Ababacar Mboup. The 11 March vote passed by a staggering 135 to zero, with just three abstentions."
Senegal's National Assembly passed legislation doubling maximum penalties for same-sex relations, making openly identifying as queer punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Reuters reported that US lobbyist organization MassResistance, which opposes LGBTQ+ rights as attacks on cultural norms, collaborated with Senegalese anti-LGBTQ+ network Samm Jikko Yi to develop campaign strategy supporting harsher restrictions. The groups discussed awareness-raising tactics, garnering support, and mobilizing alongside Senegalese authorities. Samm Jikko Yi had campaigned for tougher sentences since 2020 and contacted MassResistance in 2024 to discuss effective lobbying strategies. Parliament passed the expanded Article 319 of the Penal Code by 135 to zero votes with three abstentions.
Read at PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]