Dutch embassy cancels LGBTIQ+ rights event in Dakar after Senegalese government warning
The Dutch embassy in Senegal on Friday canceled an LGBTIQ+ event planned in Dakar after the Senegalese government issued a warning prohibiting activities that could be seen as promoting homosexuality, AD reports.
The gathering was scheduled to include a film screening and a discussion about LGBTIQ+ issues. It was organized in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. In Senegal, homosexuality is a criminal offense.
In a statement published on Facebook, the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that “activities of diplomatic and consular missions, international organizations and non-governmental organizations on Senegalese territory must absolutely comply with the laws and regulations in force in the country.”
“Senegal does not accept any form of propaganda or promotion of the LGBTIQ+ phenomenon on its territory,” the ministry added. It further stated that the government “reserves the right” to take “appropriate measures” against the organizers of “such activities and even against the participants, regardless of their origin, status or rank.”
On Friday evening, AD could not reach the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment. Earlier, the ministry told Reuters that the Netherlands “stands for human rights and equal treatment” but said the event had been canceled due to “various factors.”
