The Gambia is one of the countries in the world where homosexuality is punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under a law enacted by parliament and signed in October 2014.

A few months after the law came into effect; three men were arrested and brought before a court for allegedly committing homosexual acts. To the surprise of many, they were later acquitted.

But with the new government led by Adama Barrow, homosexuality may be legalised in The Gambia to appease western donors and attract more aid from the West.

A political commentator told What’s On-Gambia: “Barrow needs international support to fulfil his campaign promises.  And Western governments are known for threatening to withhold aid to African countries that do not reform legislation banning homosexuality.”

The anti-gay law introduced by Jammeh was widely condemned by the international community. In a statement, the U.S. State Department wrote: "We are dismayed by President Jammeh's decision to sign into law legislation that further restricts the rights of L.G.B.T. individuals and are deeply concerned about the reported arrests and detention of suspected L.G.B.T. individuals in The Gambia.”

Unlike his predecessor, President Barrow is respected and loved by the Gambian gay community. Some of his devout supporters online include homosexuals who fled the country in fear for their dear lives.