Burkina Faso’s military rulers have passed a new law criminalising same-sex relationships in the country.
The transitional parliament — an unelected body of 71
members appointed after two coups in 2022 — unanimously adopted the legislation
on Monday.
The junta described the law as part of broader reforms to
family and citizenship legislation.
Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, the justice minister, announced the
development on state-run broadcaster RTB.
Bayala said the law prescribes prison terms of between two
and five years as well as fines.
He said anyone suspected of engaging in homosexual or
“similar practices” as well as “all bizarre behaviour” would be prosecuted.
He added that foreign nationals convicted under the
legislation would face deportation.
The law is now awaiting the signature of military leader
Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in 2022 after ousting Paul-Henri Damiba. His
endorsement would mark the final step before it takes effect.
Until now, Burkina Faso was one of the few African countries
where same-sex relationships were legal.
Unlike many former British colonies, it did not inherit
anti-homosexuality statutes at independence from France in 1960. But the
largely conservative and religious nation has increasingly shifted toward
restrictive policies.
There has been significant backlash against African
countries that have toughened their anti-gay stance in recent years. Ghana,
Nigeria and Uganda are among those that have enacted such legislation.
Last year, Mali, under its military rule, adopted a similar
law criminalising homosexuality.
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