Niger criminalizes homosexuality with heavy prison sentences

Niger has enacted a new penal code criminalizing homosexuality, with prison sentences of 5 to 10 years and fines up to 100 million CFA francs. The law also targets intersex and asexual practices, as well as artificial sex changes. Same-sex marriage is punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison. The country, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani since the July 2023 coup, joins other West African nations in tightening anti-LGBT+ legislation.