European lawmaker slams ‘persecution’ of LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal

Manon Aubry, French Member of the European Parliament and leader of The Left group, has sharply criticized the escalating crackdown on LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal. She is urging immediate action from France to support victims and protect those at risk, describing the situation as a systematic “persecution.”

French MEP condemns Senegal’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation

In a public statement on social media, Aubry highlighted the severe legal consequences facing LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal, where new laws impose prison sentences of five to ten years for same-sex relations. “Homosexuality is not a crime. Senegal’s discriminatory laws are nothing short of persecution,” she declared. “I stand in full solidarity with those targeted by this homophobia and demand urgent intervention.”

Call for French intervention in LGBTQ+ rights crisis

Aubry extended her support to a French national recently detained under these laws, calling for diplomatic pressure to secure their release. She also emphasized the need for France to grant asylum to Senegalese LGBTQ+ refugees fleeing persecution. “The French government must act swiftly to protect these individuals and uphold human rights,” she insisted.

The political figure’s remarks come amid rising concerns over the safety of LGBTQ+ communities in Senegal, where legal and social hostility continues to intensify.