Archive · 2 Sep 2025
Burkina Faso Passes Law Criminalizing LGBTQ Practices
The military government in Burkina Faso has made it illegal to engage in LGBTQ activities.
This means people could go to jail for up to five years and pay a fine.
If a foreigner breaks this law, they can be kicked out of the country.
The law was approved by a group of people who were not elected.
The government says it's updating the country's laws about family and citizenship.
Some other countries in Africa, like Uganda and Senegal, also have similar laws.
Burkina Faso's transitional parliament passed legislation outlawing LGBTQ practices.
The law introduces fines, prison sentences and sanctions for those convicted.
The legislation was passed unanimously by the unelected 71-member transitional parliament.
A prison sentence of two to five years and a fine will be issued.
Foreign nationals will be deported for repeat offenses.
- Who
- Burkina Faso's transitional parliament.
- What
- Passed a law outlawing LGBTQ practices.
- When
- Recently, on Monday.
- Where
- Burkina Faso.
- Why
- Framed as an effort to modernize family law and clarify nationality rules.
Rights Advocates
Burkina Faso Government
LGBTQ Practices
Rights Advocates
Restrictions on LGBTQ practices.
Burkina Faso Government
Effort to modernize family law and clarify nationality rules.
- Law Details
- Criminalizes LGBTQ practices, with prison sentences and fines.
- Penalties
- Two to five years in prison and fines for those convicted.
- Parliament
- Unanimously passed by the unelected 71-member transitional parliament.
- Foreign Nationals
- Will be deported for repeat offenses.
- Context
- Military took over Burkina Faso in 2022.
