Senegal's parliament has approved a new law doubling to 10 years the maximum prison term for sexual acts by same-sex couples and criminalising the "promotion" of homosexuality.
A total of 135 MPs voted in favour, zero against and three abstained. The next step will be for the president to sign it, then it will become law.
The legislation, which was a campaign promise of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, was sent to parliament after a wave of arrests over alleged same-sex relationships, already banned under Senegalese law.
The government spokesman dismissed international criticism of the bill, arguing that the move reflected the views of Senegalese people.
"The majority of Senegalese do not accept homosexuality. Our culture rejects it and we are firmly opposed to it," said Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarré.
