French civil society and political leaders have intensified efforts to aid LGBT+ individuals in Senegal, where a new law passed on March 11 imposes prison sentences of 5 to 10 years for same-sex relations. In response, the organization STOP homophobie is providing critical support to 68 people currently detained in Senegal, with additional assistance extended to those seeking refuge in France.

The association has arranged temporary housing for a small number of refugees in the Paris region and is facilitating the relocation of about 50 others to France. A dedicated hotline was established to handle the surge in calls for help. Terrence Khatchadourian, the association’s Secretary-General, shared: “Just two weeks ago, we had logged 3,000 calls, and our phone lines were overwhelmed with the volume.”

“France must do more to protect these individuals,”

Human rights advocate Jean-Luc Romero-Michel emphasized the need for greater action. “Every day, I receive messages from people struggling to secure humanitarian visas. France is not doing enough to help them,” he stated, adding that mere condemnation of Senegal’s policies is insufficient without providing refuge to those fleeing persecution.

Paris City Councilor Ian Brossat is set to propose a motion today to allocate public housing to Senegalese individuals escaping homophobic violence. “It’s easy to condemn what’s happening in Senegal, but providing sanctuary to those affected is what truly matters,” he argued.