The Senegalese government and parliament have no plan to decriminalize homosexuality, according to an official statement.

In the statement sent to Xinhua on Monday, Moustapha Diakhate, the parliamentary leader of Bennoo Bokk Yaakaar (BYY), said the parliamentary group of the presidential camp does not intend to propose such legislation.

Last week, local media reported about a secret meeting that was organized by Senegalese homosexuals to "defend their cause" through lobbying, so that their union could be legalized.

"Senegal remains a country that punishes homosexuality. In more clear terms, despite the lobbying, manipulations and threats, the provisions of the penal code that punishes homosexuality remains in force and will not be revised," the statement declared.

In Senegal, homosexual acts are punished by a prison sentence ranging from one to five years with a fine ranging from 100,000 to 1 million FCFA (200 to 2,000 U. S. dollars).