Burkina Faso Junta Passes Law Banning Homosexuality With Five-Year Prison Terms

Burkina Faso's military junta has passed a law criminalizing homosexuality, imposing prison sentences of two to five years along with fines, and deportation for foreign nationals convicted under the law. This law was unanimously adopted by 71 unelected members of a transitional parliament established after two coups in 2022, marking a shift as homosexuality was not previously banned in the country. The legislation is part of broader reforms on family and citizenship laws and will be promoted through awareness campaigns. Burkina Faso joins over 30 African nations that outlaw homosexuality, including Mali, a regional ally which enacted similar laws in 2024, and Uganda, which has some of the harshest penalties including life imprisonment and the death penalty for aggravated cases. The move has drawn international criticism, yet reflects a growing trend among some African countries to toughen anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Globally, about 65 countries criminalize consensual same-sex activity, with severe penalties in regions such as the Middle East and parts of Asia.