Shock at Senegal gay jail terms

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) has condemned the jailing in Senegal of 9 gay men, accused of "indecent conduct and unnatural acts." The judge also added three years to the five year sentence, alleging the men were part of a criminal group. Most of the men were in fact a part of a group to fight HIV and AIDS. Homosexual acts are illegal in Senegal, but this is the first time that such a harsh sentence has been handed down by the legal system. Defense lawyer Issa Diop said he would be appealing against the sentences, and IGLHRC's Cary Alan Johnson said he was "deeply disturbed" by the case.

The sentences come shortly after Senegal hosted a major conference on AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases, where issues of male homosexuality where discussed. However, this seeming openness and progressiveness is still dealing with a predominantly Muslim society where gay individuals must live on the fringe of society.