Niger outlaws homosexual relationships, imposes prison sentences

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Military-run Niger has enacted a new penal code criminalising for the first time same-sex relations, with heavy sentences of up to 20 years in prison, a legal source said Thursday quoting the official gazette.

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Although a taboo subject, same-sex relations had not been criminalised in Muslim-majority Niger, which follows several other African nations in toughening their anti-LGBTQ legislation.

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Under Niger’s new law, same-sex relations will be punishable by a jail term of between five and less than 10 years and a fine.

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But “anyone who enters into marriage with a person of the same sex” faces 10 to 20 years imprisonment.

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It stipulates the same sentence for “any person who manages, directs, operates, finances or participates in clubs, societies, organisations or associations for homosexuals or LGBTQIA+ people”.

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The penal code reform was initiated under Niger’s previous civilian president Mohamed Bazoum under pressure from Muslim groups and lawmakers. Bazoum was overthrown in a coup in July 2023.

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AFP

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