- Burkina Faso’s transitional government, led by President Ibrahim Traore, passed a law banning homosexuality
- Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala stated that the legislation takes effect immediately and is part of broader family and citizenship reforms
- The law places Burkina Faso among several African nations criminalising homosexuality
Burkina Faso’s transitional government has passed a law banning homosexuality.
The Taore-led government noted that offenders risk facing two to five years in prison.
Source: Getty Images
The legislation was unanimously approved on Monday by 71 unelected members of the government, which has been in power since the military seized control under President Ibrahim Traore following two coups in 2022.
Burkina Faso’s justice minister outlines penalties
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced the law on national broadcaster RTB, stating that those found guilty would face fines in addition to prison sentences.
“If a person is a perpetrator of homosexual or similar practices, all the bizarre behaviour, they will go before the judge,” he said.
He added that foreign nationals convicted under the law would face deportation. The law is expected to take effect immediately.
Part of wider family and citizenship reforms
Officials say the legislation forms part of broader reforms of family and citizenship laws, which will be “popularised through an awareness campaign.”
Rights activists, however, are expected to challenge the restrictions imposed and the limits on legal recourse in nationality cases.
Rights concerns under military rule
Since taking power in 2022, the military government has pledged to stabilise the country amid a worsening security crisis.
Critics, however, accuse the government of human rights abuses, including large-scale arrests and military conscription of opponents.
Burkina Faso joins other African nations
Burkina Faso becomes the latest African country to ban homosexuality, joining more than half of African nations that penalise the sexual orientation with prison sentences or, in some cases, the death penalty.
Neighbouring Mali also criminalised homosexuality in November 2024. In recent years, Ghana and Uganda have toughened anti-homosexuality laws, with Uganda introducing legislation making “aggravated homosexuality” a capital offence and imposing life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations.
Source: Legit.ng
