French activists urge support for Senegal lgbtq+ community amid rising persecution

French activists and elected officials are rallying to defend LGBTQ+ rights in Senegal following the country’s recent passage of a law imposing severe penalties for same-sex relationships. Since the legislation was approved on March 11, activists have stepped up efforts to protect vulnerable individuals, with one prominent organization currently assisting 68 detainees in Senegalese prisons.

STOP homophobie, a leading advocacy group, has also extended support to several refugees relocated to the Paris region while facilitating the relocation of dozens more to France. The organization established a dedicated hotline to handle the surge in calls for help, with their phone lines overwhelmed by desperate pleas for assistance. “Until just two weeks ago, we had logged 3,000 calls, and our system was struggling to keep up,” revealed Terrence Khatchadourian, the group’s secretary general.

France’s response falls short, activists argue

The humanitarian crisis has prompted criticism from prominent figures like Jean-Luc Romero-Michel, a former deputy mayor of Paris, who insists that France must do more. “Every message I receive tells the same story: people cannot obtain humanitarian visas. Today, France is simply not doing enough,” he stated. Meanwhile, Ian Brossat, a Paris city councilor, is set to propose a motion today to allocate temporary housing for Senegalese individuals fleeing persecution. “Expressing outrage over events in Senegal is one thing, but providing refuge for those affected is what truly matters,” he emphasized.

urgent calls for expanded humanitarian pathways

Activists are urging French authorities to streamline visa processes for LGBTQ+ individuals facing persecution in Senegal. Despite mounting pressure, many remain unable to secure safe passage to France, leaving them trapped in increasingly hostile conditions.