'Anti-gay’ Bill fizzles out

A Bill introduced in Senegal's Parliament to toughen criminal penalties for homosexuals last week fell at the first hurdle and failed to progress to the assembly's main floor. Under existing laws, homosexuality is already punishable by up to five years in jail. A report on the News24 site notes that 11 MPs initiated the draft law including at least one belonging to the ruling party, asserting that they had the support of highly influential religious groups. In a statement, the Office of the National Assembly – which assesses the merits of incoming bills – said the current penal code already punishes homosexuality ‘severely’. Under existing law, homosexual acts may be punishable by between a year and five years in prison along with fines ranging from $170 to $2 580. The latest Bill would have increased possible jail time to between five and 10 years and treble the maximum fine.