BURKINA FASO OFFICIALLY PASSES LAW BANNING HOMOSEXUALITY WITH UP TO 5-YEAR PRISON SENTENCES
Burkina Faso’s parliament has passed a law banning homosexuality, with offenders facing two to five years in prison, the state broadcaster reported late Monday.
The amended family code was approved by the parliament on Monday in a unanimous vote that puts the code into effect more than a year after it was approved by the military government of Capt. Ibrahim Traore.
The new law goes into effect immediately with individuals in same-sex relationships risking prison sentences as well as fines, Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala said during a briefing broadcast by the state TV. He described homosexual acts as “bizarre behavior.”
Officials touted the new law as a recognition of “marriage and family values” in Burkina Faso.
“You will go before the judge,” the justice minister said, addressing offenders.
Burkina Faso has been run by the military following a coup in 2022 that the soldiers said was to stabilize the country amid a worsening security crisis and provide better governance.
Rights group, however, accuse the junta of clamping down on human rights with the rampant arrest and military conscription of critics.
