Burkina Faso's parliament has unanimously approved a new law that criminalizes homosexuality, imposing significant prison sentences and fines on individuals found guilty of homosexual acts. The legislation, effective immediately as of September 1, 2025, aligns with a growing trend across Africa where several nations are strengthening anti-LGBTQ+ statutes.
The new law mandates prison sentences ranging from two to five years, accompanied by financial penalties. Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala described same-sex acts as "bizarre behavior" and stated that the legislation upholds traditional marriage and family values. Foreign nationals convicted under the law also face deportation.
This development marks a significant shift for Burkina Faso, where same-sex sexual activity was previously legal with an equal age of consent established in 1996. The law was enacted under the military junta led by Capt. Ibrahim Traore, which assumed power following a 2022 coup. The junta has positioned itself as a proponent of national independence from Western influence.
Burkina Faso now joins over half of the 54 countries in Africa that prohibit homosexuality. Neighboring countries and allies such as Mali, which passed a similar law in November 2024, and Uganda and Ghana, which have intensified their anti-gay legislation in recent years, exemplify this trend. Uganda's stringent law, for instance, includes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality."
International human rights organizations have expressed concerns, highlighting the potential conflict between such laws and international human rights standards. They urge African nations to uphold the rights of all individuals, including LGBTQ+ persons. Despite international criticism, these laws often find domestic support, with proponents framing homosexuality as a foreign import incompatible with local cultural norms.
The broader context includes a challenging human rights environment in Burkina Faso, with reports of crackdowns on dissent and media freedom under the current military regime. The nation's trajectory underscores a complex interplay between national sovereignty, cultural values, and global human rights discourse, presenting a critical juncture for societal understanding and individual freedoms on the continent.