00:00Senegal's government is pushing for harsher punishments for same-sex relations.
00:05The Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko unveiled the legislation during a question period in the National Assembly.
00:10Currently punishable by one to five years in prison, the plans would double the maximum penalty.
00:15Anyone who commits an unnatural act will be punished with five to ten years in prison.
00:21If the act is committed with a minor, the maximum sentence will be imposed.
00:25The bill also provides for prison sentences of three to seven years as well as a loss of civil rights
00:32for any person who advocates homosexuality.
00:35Its presentation comes at a time when anti-LGBT arrests are on the rise in the country.
00:41Earlier in February, 12 men were arrested following a tip-off.
00:44They were accused by the Senegalese authorities of deliberately transmitting HIV and endangering the lives of others.
00:51Since then, around 30 people have been arrested for the same reasons according to local media.
00:56In recent weeks, homophobia has been particularly visible on social media in Senegal with anti-LGBT comments and messages.
01:03The draft law has been approved by Senegal's Council of Ministers and must be ratified by the National Assembly.
01:09A date for the vote has not yet been set.
01:12I think52 many members are reh Afterwards,
01:12Pete Graye here,
01:12There are more parts which are far from England after the vote would be atteint.
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