Burkina Faso has enacted a new law criminalizing homosexual acts, marking a significant tightening of LGBT rights in the West African region. The legislation was approved on Monday by the country’s transitional, unelected parliament, as reported by the BBC on Tuesday. This move builds on a draft family code adopted by the cabinet last year.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, speaking on state media, detailed the consequences of the new law, stating, “The law provides for a prison sentence of between two and five years as well as fines.” He further added that foreign nationals found violating the law would face deportation.
The legislation now awaits the signature of Burkina Faso’s military leader, Capt Ibrahim Traoré, who took power in 2022 after ousting Lt Col Paul-Henri Damiba. Capt Traoré’s approval is the final step required before the law officially takes effect.
Prior to this legislative change, Burkina Faso was among the few African nations where same-sex relationships were not criminalized. Unlike many former British colonies, the country did not inherit anti-homosexuality laws at independence from France in 1960. Nonetheless, Burkina Faso remains a socially conservative and religious society, with fewer than 10% of its population identifying as non-religious.
Burkina Faso Aligns with Regional Anti-LGBT Laws Amid Rising Conservatism
This new law aligns Burkina Faso with regional trends seen in neighboring countries. Mali, also governed by a military regime and an ally of Burkina Faso, criminalized homosexuality last year. Similarly, Nigeria enforces strict bans, while Ghana passed an anti-homosexuality bill that has yet to be signed into law. Uganda, known for its harshest penalties, has classified “aggravated homosexuality” as a capital offense and imposes life sentences for consensual same-sex acts.
International organizations have condemned these laws. For instance, the World Bank temporarily suspended loans to Uganda due to its anti-LGBT policies, although this restriction has since been lifted.
Burkina Faso’s new law signals an escalating crackdown on LGBT communities across West Africa, highlighting the growing influence of social conservatism coupled with military-backed governance in the region.
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