Burkina Faso’s unelected transitional parliament has passed a bill outlawing homosexual acts, just over a year after the cabinet adopted a draft of an amended family code that criminalised homosexuality.
The measure, unanimously approved on Monday, introduces prison sentences of up to five years and forms part of a wider clampdown on same-sex relations across the continent.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced on state-run media that “the law provides for a prison sentence of between two and five years as well as fines.”
He added that foreign nationals found guilty would also face deportation.
According to the BBC, the bill now awaits the signature of the country’s military leader, Capt Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in 2022 after deposing Lt Col Paul-Henri Damiba.
Until now, Burkina Faso was among 22 out of 54 African nations that allowed same-sex relations, in contrast to other states where such acts can attract life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
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Unlike many former British colonies in Africa, the country did not inherit anti-homosexuality laws after gaining independence from France in 1960.
Despite that, Burkina Faso remains a socially conservative and religious nation, with fewer than 10% of its people thought not to follow any faith. The new law reflects a rising trend of anti-LGBT legislation across Africa.
Neighbouring Mali, also under military rule and considered a close ally, adopted similar legislation last year.
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