Niger joins the growing list of West African countries (including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Burkina Faso) that have recently criminalized same-sex relations. Its anti-Western military government regards tolerance for homosexuality as a mark of Western cultural imperialism. Committing or attempting to commit “an indecent or unnatural act, or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) practices” will earn 5-10 years imprisonment and a fine. What constitute “Asexual practices” (not having sex?) is unclear. Entering into a same-sex marriage or participating in any organization “for homosexuals or LGBTQIA+ people” will get you 10-20 years. Advocating it is apparently even worse than doing it.
Niger Criminalizes Same-Sex Practices
