Niger criminalises same-sex relations with jail terms

Abidjan (AFP) – Military-run Niger has enacted a new penal code criminalising same-sex relations with heavy jail sentences, following other west African countries in adopting tough anti-LGBTQ legislation.

Although a taboo subject, same-sex relations had not been a criminal offence in Muslim-majority Niger.

General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of the military government, has pushed an anti-Western agenda since seizing power in July 2023, criticising some Western values.

Under Niger's new law, same-sex relations will be punishable by a jail term of between five and 10 years and a fine.

It sets out the same penalty for anyone committing or trying to commit "an indecent or unnatural act, or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) practices", or anyone who "artificially changes or attempts to change their birth sex".

It adds that "anyone who enters into marriage with a person of the same sex" faces 10 to 20 years' imprisonment.

It stipulates the same sentence for "any person who manages, directs, operates, finances or participates in clubs, societies, organisations or associations for homosexuals or LGBTQIA+ people".

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