Burkina Faso’s military government has announced plans to ban homosexual acts, joining a growing list of African nations tightening restrictions on LGBTQ rights. The decision marks a significant shift for the country, where same-sex relations were previously not criminalized.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala revealed that the junta’s cabinet has approved legislation to make homosexuality a punishable offense, though specific penalties were not disclosed. This move is part of a broader overhaul of marriage laws, which now only recognize religious and customary unions.
The proposed law still requires approval from the military-controlled parliament and the junta leader’s signature. Burkina Faso, previously one of 22 African states without laws against homosexuality, has seen a pivot towards Russia since the military takeover in 2022.
This development aligns with a wider trend across Africa, where several countries have recently adopted or strengthened anti-LGBTQ legislation. Notable examples include Uganda’s harsh new law and Ghana’s pending bill imposing prison sentences for LGBTQ identification.
International reactions to such laws have been swift, with Western nations and financial institutions threatening or implementing sanctions and funding cuts. As Burkina Faso moves forward with this legislation, it may face similar economic and diplomatic pressures from the international community.