A bill introduced in Senegalese parliament meant to toughen existing laws against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people has been rejected.
Gay sex is already punishable by up to five years in jail.
The bill would have lengthened the term to a maximum of 10 years and led to a threefold increase in the maximum fines.
It would also have specifically targeted LGBT and similar activities as crimes.
The Office of the National Assembly, which stopped the proposed bill from proceeding to the floor, said the current law is clear and severely punishes homosexuality.
The bill had been initiated by 11 MPs, who said they had the backing of key religious groups.
Senegal has a 95% Muslim population and homosexuality is widely considered unacceptable.
Latest Stories
-
I want to focus more on my education – Chidimma Adetshina quits pageantry
1 hour -
Priest replaced after Sabrina Carpenter shoots music video in his church
1 hour -
Duct-taped banana artwork sells for $6.2m in NYC
1 hour -
Arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas commander over alleged war crimes
2 hours -
Actors Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good are engaged
2 hours -
Expired rice saga: A ‘best before date’ can be extended – Food and Agriculture Engineer
2 hours -
Why I rejected Range Rover gift from a man – Tiwa Savage
2 hours -
KNUST Engineering College honours Telecel Ghana CEO at Alumni Excellence Awards
2 hours -
Postecoglou backs Bentancur appeal after ‘mistake’
2 hours -
#Manifesto debate: NDC to enact and pass National Climate Law – Prof Klutse
3 hours -
‘Everything a manager could wish for’ – Guardiola signs new deal
3 hours -
TEWU suspends strike after NLC directive, urges swift resolution of grievances
3 hours -
Netflix debuts Grain Media’s explosive film
3 hours -
‘Expired’ rice scandal: FDA is complicit; top officials must be fired – Ablakwa
4 hours -
#TheManifestoDebate: We’ll provide potable water, expand water distribution network – NDC
4 hours