Burkina Faso enacted a law criminalizing homosexual practices, imposing penalties from two to five years in prison plus fines, with repeat non-citizen offenders subject to expulsion. The law took effect immediately and applies to individuals in same-sex relationships. Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala described homosexuality as "bizarre behavior," while officials presented the measure as protecting marriage and family values. The Persons and Family Code also tightens nationality and rules affecting stateless people. The country has been governed by a military junta since 2022. Amnesty International called the move an "alarming setback," and Human Rights Watch urged revision, noting about 30 African countries criminalize same-sex relationships.
Those that transgress the law will face up to five years in prison, with the minimum foreseen penalty being two years behind bars along with financial penalties. Repeat offenders without local citizenship will be expelled from the country. The new legislation comes into effect immediately, with individuals in same-sex relationships risking prison sentences as well as fines, Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala said on state television.
Rights group Amnesty International on Tuesday said the criminalization of same-sex relations was an "alarming setback." urging junta chief Captain Ibrahim Traore to reverse the decison. According to Human Rights Watch, same-sex relationships are illegal in around 30 of Africa's 54 countries. The unelected Burkinabe parliament on Monday unanimously adopted a draft family code making gay relationships punishable by up to five years in jail, making the west African nation the latest on the continent to pass anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
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