Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament has passed a new law, the “Persons and Family Code”, that criminalizes same-sex relations, introducing penalties ranging from prison terms to financial fines, and even deportation for non-citizens in cases of repeat offenses.
The legislation, supported by 71 members, now awaits the signature of junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré to come into force.
Under the law, engaging in homosexual acts is punishable by two to five years in prison along with a monetary fine. The Justice Minister stated that foreign nationals convicted under this law may face deportation.
The government defended the measure, saying it forms part of broader efforts to “modernize” family and nationality legislation in the country.
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