On September 10, 2024, members of Gambia’s National Assembly agreed to a proposal to impose a minimum five-year prison sentence for individuals convicted of engaging in same-sex relations.
This decision was part of the ongoing review of the 2020 Criminal Offenses Bill, which contains this provision.Originally, the bill stipulated that anyone found guilty of engaging in “unnatural” sexual acts, including same-sex relations or acts with animals, would face a maximum of two years in prison.
However, after further deliberation, the Assembly deemed such offenses as “aggravated” and argued they warrant stricter punishment, pushing for more rigorous imprisonment.
Same-sex relationships remain a sensitive topic in many religious societies across Africa, including The Gambia. Numerous governments in the region have passed laws prohibiting such relationships, drawing criticism from human rights advocates.
