3 September 2025
The Muslim-majority West African state of Burkina Faso has passed a law criminalising homosexuality, introducing prison sentences of up to five years alongside financial penalties.
The legislation was unanimously adopted on Monday by 71 unelected members of the transitional parliament and announced by Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala on state broadcaster RTB.
He said those convicted of “homosexual or similar practices” would face two to five years in prison, as well as fines.
Bayala added that foreign nationals convicted under the law could also be deported.
The legislation is expected to come into effect immediately and, according to officials, forms part of a wider reform of family and citizenship laws that will be rolled out with a public awareness campaign.
The bill now awaits the formal signature of military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power after two coups in 2022.
Since then, the junta has pledged to stabilise the Sahel nation amid worsening insecurity.
Source: 5pillars
