France, Sept. 2 -- Burkina Faso has joined a growing list of African nations tightening laws against same-sex relations, with an extensive new code set to reshape family and nationality rules.

Burkina Faso's transitional assembly has passed a controversial law criminalising homosexuality, marking the first time such legislation has been introduced in the country.

The move, backed unanimously on Monday by the 71 unelected members of the transitional legislative assembly, comes nearly three years after the military junta seized power.

Under the new law, individuals convicted of same-sex relations face prison sentences of between two and five years, as well as fines.

Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced on national televisio...