Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament has passed a law banning same-sex acts, with penalties of up to five years in prison.
Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament has unanimously passed a bill criminalizing homosexual acts, imposing prison terms of two to five years and fines.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala confirmed the development on state media, stating, “The law provides for a prison sentence of between two and five years as well as fines.” He added that foreigners convicted under the law will be deported.
The legislation now awaits the signature of military leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in 2022. Burkina Faso previously allowed same-sex relations, making it one of just 22 African nations without anti-LGBT laws.
The new measure aligns with a broader crackdown on LGBT rights across the continent. Similar laws were recently adopted in Mali, while Uganda introduced the harshest penalties, including the death sentence for “aggravated homosexuality.”
Rights groups have condemned the trend, and global institutions, including the World Bank, have taken action against countries enforcing such bans.