Gay marriage in morocco

2024

A research report by ReportOUT found that 40% of respondents perceived offensive conduct by police towards persons with diverse sexual orientation, gender expression and identity and sex characteristics to be widespread, and almost 63% perceived the same to be the case among religious authorities.

The criminalization of homosexuality does not comply with Morocco’s 2011 Constitution, and organizations like Human Rights Watch have called for legal reform. Stay informed, exercise caution, and ensure that you have the most up-to-date information before planning your trips.

Protect Yourself While Travelling In Gay Morocco

As an LGBT traveler visiting Morocco, it’s important to be aware that the experiences and challenges faced by local LGBT individuals may differ from those of visitors.

View our Privacy Statement for more details. Tourism is a major source of income for Morocco, and the authorities are generally more tolerant towards tourists’ behavior. It also gives police a wide degree of discretion in enforcement, often leading to arbitrary arrests. It’s always crucial to seek out and connect with local resources, such as NGOs or community groups, that can offer support and guidance in case of an emergency.

However, as situations can change rapidly, information may become outdated.

Two of the attackers were also found guilty of assault.

In May, two men were arrested and charged under article 489 after being found by police in a parked car on the outskirts of the town of Guelmim. But bear in mind that homosexual acts are still illegal, and travelers should exercise caution and be mindful of the cultural norms.

It is vital for LGBT travelers to prioritize their safety during their stay in Morocco.

The report found that human rights groups would only be aware of cases that had been reported in the media, which did not reflect the total amount of cases. Some steps that can be taken to protect yourself include keeping public displays of affection to a minimum, dressing modestly, avoiding conversations on sexuality, and respecting the local culture.

While there have been calls from the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly to cease enforcement of the criminal code sections that penalize same-sex relations, no concrete changes have taken place yet.

After their arrest, the adult was taken into custody, while the three minors were placed under police surveillance. For example, the outing of gay men on dating apps in 2020 greatly impacted the safety of LGBT people in the country.

On the other hand, LGBT tourists visiting Morocco may not face the same level of risk, thanks to the perception of foreign visitors being more liberal.

Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by imprisonment in the country. Both men and women are criminalised under this law.

In 1956, Morocco officially gained independence from France, which had long since decriminalised same-sex sexual activity. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay informed about any recent developments or changes in Moroccan law that may impact your travel experience.

There are no laws protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. The adult was later charged for assault and violence in a public space and given a prison sentence of four months.

LGBT rights organisation Association Akaliyat has reportedly been prohibited from registering officially as an organisation, despite having been trying to do so since their original application on 24 December 2016.

2020

The US Department of State report found that LGBT victims of violence in high-profile cases continued to be harassed when recognised in public.

The perpetrator received an eight-year prison sentence.

In September, four individuals, including a foreigner, were arrested by the police in Marrakesh for homosexuality and drug possession.