US-based lobbyists who have previously labelled homosexuality a public health threat have reportedly advised Senegalese officials on strategies to advance stricter anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, following the country’s recent move to increase penalties for same-sex relations.
Earlier this month, Senegal’s National Assembly drew international condemnation after passing a bill that doubles the maximum sentence for same-sex relationships. While homosexuality has been criminalised in the country since the 1960s, the new law goes further — making openly identifying as LGBTQ+ punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Lawmakers backing the legislation made inflammatory remarks during proceedings, with some declaring that LGBTQ+ people would no longer be able to “breathe in this country” and vowing to strip them of their freedoms.
A report from Reuters revealed that US lobbying group MassResistance, which describes itself as “pro family,” had worked alongside Senegalese activists to support the push for tougher laws. The Massachusetts-based organisation, known for opposing LGBTQ+ rights, reportedly collaborated with Samm Jikko Yi — a network of religious and civil groups — to develop campaign strategies aimed at strengthening anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
Samm Jikko Yi has advocated for harsher penalties since at least 2020, and is said to have reached out to MassResistance in 2024 for guidance on lobbying efforts. According to the group’s former coordinator, Ababacar Mboup, discussions included ways to raise awareness, build public support and coordinate with authorities.
It remains unclear whether this collaboration directly influenced the parliamentary vote, which passed overwhelmingly on 11 March with 135 votes in favour, none against, and three abstentions. However, the situation marks what is believed to be the first known instance of a US lobbying organisation attempting to shape anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in an African nation during Donald Trump’s second presidential term.
MassResistance field director Arthur Schaper told Reuters there had been a “renewed push” to influence LGBTQ+ rights abroad, aligning with the current US administration’s stance. He added that the organisation has also engaged with groups in Ghana, where a proposed bill could impose prison sentences of up to three years for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ or support the community.
A Ghanaian human rights organisation, Freedom International, confirmed contact with MassResistance, noting that “educational materials” had been shared as part of discussions around restricting LGBTQ+ rights.
Health experts have repeatedly warned that laws criminalising homosexuality can have serious public health consequences. Such legislation may discourage men who have sex with men — a group statistically at higher risk of HIV — from accessing testing and treatment.
In Senegal, government data already indicates significantly higher HIV rates among this group, with health workers cautioning that harsher penalties could worsen the situation and further hinder prevention efforts.
