Burkina Faso Bans Homosexuality, Imposes Harsh Penalties Under New Law

Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament has passed a controversial new law criminalizing homosexuality, with offenders facing up to five years in prison.

The legislation, part of amendments to the Persons and Family Code, makes Burkina Faso the latest African nation to tighten restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights. The law also includes stricter provisions on nationality and statelessness.

Since seizing power in a 2022 coup, Burkina Faso’s military leadership has grown increasingly intolerant of dissent while battling worsening Islamist insurgencies.

The 71-member unelected transitional parliament unanimously approved the measure on Monday. It now awaits the signature of junta leader Ibrahim Traoré.

Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced on state television that offenders will face prison terms of two to five years and heavy fines. He added that repeat offenders who are foreign nationals will be deported, while condemning same-sex relations as “bizarre behavior.”

The law, which takes immediate effect, places Burkina Faso alongside other African nations such as Uganda, Malawi, and Senegal that enforce anti-gay laws. In contrast, countries like South Africa, Botswana, and Angola have moved to decriminalize homosexuality or offer legal protections.

While heavily criticized by Western governments and human rights groups, such laws remain popular in conservative African societies, where homosexuality is often portrayed by leaders as a “foreign import” rather than a natural identity.

Burkina Faso remains under military rule following the 2022 coup.