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Burkina Faso Criminalizes Same-Sex Conduct
The military government enacted the law citing cultural values and sovereignty, imposing two to five years imprisonment and fines, with foreign nationals subject to deportation.
- On September 1, 2025, Burkina Faso's transitional legislature approved legislation that criminalizes consensual same-sex conduct across the country.
- The law follows regional patterns with Mali enacting a similar ban in 2024 and Uganda imposing death penalties for aggravated homosexuality.
- The new code was unanimously approved by 71 unelected assembly members installed after Ibrahim Traoré's 2022 coup, amid tightening military control.
- People convicted face two to five years in prison and fines, while foreign nationals practicing homosexuality face deportation, according to Justice Minister Bayala.
- The immediate enactment marks Burkina Faso as the 32nd African country to criminalize homosexuality, intensifying fears of LGBT people and prompting international criticism.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Burkina Faso recriminalizes homosexuality
Lawmakers in Burkina Faso on Monday voted to recriminalize consensual same-sex sexual relations in the country. According to the amended Persons and Family Code, anyone convicted of engaging in homosexuality faces between two and five years in prison or a fine of between $3,600-$17,800. “The law provides for a prison sentence of between two and five years as well as fines. If a person is a perpetrator of homosexuality or similar practices, as we…
Burkina Faso Parliament Passes Law Criminalizing Same-Sex Relations
The Burkina Faso Parliament on Sept. 1 passed legislation that criminalizes conduct promoting same-sex relationships in the West African nation, according to the state-run broadcaster. The legislation, known as the Persons and Family Code, was passed unanimously by 71 unelected members of the nation’s transitional parliament, installed after the military seized power in 2022. Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala told the nation’s state-run br…
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