Lawmakers in Senegal are seeking stricter law against same sex relationship with a newly proposed 10-year prison sentence for individuals found guilty of the act.

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‎The proposed legislation approved last week by cabinet was transmitted to the lawmakers on Tuesday following a wave of multiple arrests of individuals involving in same-sex acts.

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‎Under the current laws, same-sex acts are punishable by between one and five years in prison, as well as fines but the new proposal seeks to raise the maximum sentence to 10 years.

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‎Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, while addressing the lawmakers described the act as “against nature,” adding that “if an act was committed against a minor, it will attract the maximum penalty.” The BBC reported.

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‎Under Senegalese law, a person slammed with a maximum penalty usually serves life in prison.

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‎The bill also proposes a three to seven- year jail term for individuals found to be promoting or advocating same-sex relations.

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‎It prescribed penalties for individuals who accuse others of same sex “without proof.”

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‎The proposed bill recommends that fines of up to 10 million CFA, about $18000 will be imposed on persons found guilty of any of the crimes relating to the act, including accusations of same-sex relations without proof and advocating and promoting the act.

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‎Human rights group such as the Human Rights Watch described the proposed bill as a “violation of multiple internationally protected rights, including equality and non-discrimination.”

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‎However, no date has been set for a parliamentary vote on the bill, in a chamber dominated by Mr Sanko Pastef party.