The transitional government of Burkina Faso has enacted a controversial new law criminalizing same-sex relationships, marking a significant shift in the country’s legal and social landscape. The legislation, passed unanimously by the 71-member unelected transitional parliament on September 1, 2025, imposes prison sentences ranging from two to five years and fines between 2 million to 10 million CFA francs (approximately €3,000 to €15,000) for individuals found guilty of engaging in homosexual acts.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced the law on state-run media, stating that the measure is part of broader reforms to Burkina Faso’s family and citizenship legislation. He described the criminalization as a defense of “marriage and family values,” and warned that foreign nationals convicted under the law would face deportation.
Until now, Burkina Faso had been one of the few African nations where same-sex relationships were not criminalized. The new law places the country among a growing list of African states—including Mali, Uganda, and Ghana—that have recently adopted stricter anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
International human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over the move. Amnesty International called the law “an alarming setback” and urged President Ibrahim Traoré to refer the legislation back to the Transitional Legislative Assembly for revision, citing violations of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.