Morocco, a country known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, presents a complex reality for LGBTQ+ individuals. While it has become a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, it is important to understand the legal and social context. Despite Morocco’s rich queer culture, past and present, the country’s laws suggest otherwise.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech
Homosexuality in the Islamic state-even same-sex kissing-remains illegal and punishable by fines and up to three years in prison. Yet in parts of the country, particularly its more progressive cities, queerness feels not only tolerated but accepted.
Legal Landscape
Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited under the Penal Code 1962, which criminalizes ‘lewd or unnatural acts’. This provision carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment and a fine.
There is substantial evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, with LGBT people being frequently subject to arrest. Reports suggest that hundreds of prosecutions under the law have taken place in recent years.
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According to a 2022 submission by the Moroccan Coalition for Gender and Sexual Diversity, 838 persons were prosecuted under article 489 between 2017 and 2020.
The report by the Danish Immigration Service on the situation of LGBT persons in Morocco suggested that LGBT people face a range of societal marginalization, including physical, social, and institutional violence.
In 1956, Morocco officially gained independence from France, which had long since decriminalized same-sex sexual activity.
Key points regarding the legal status of LGBTQ+ individuals in Morocco include:
- Article 489: This article of the Penal Code criminalizes "lewd or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex."
- Punishment: Those found guilty can face imprisonment from three to five years and a fine of up to 1,200 dirhams.
- Enforcement: The Moroccan government has been known to use this law to police members of the LGBT+ community.
Social Attitudes and Cultural Context
Homosexuality is seen by most of the population as a threat to the “traditional values” that support the expectation of heterosexual norms and Muslim teachings.
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Like any visitor to a foreign country, LGBTQ+ or not, it’s important to respect local culture and customs. As a conservative Muslim country where homosexuality is illegal, there aren’t any official “gay hot spots” or LGBTQ+ celebrations.
In urban centers like Tangier, Marrakech and Agadir, it’s possible to find gay-friendly accommodations and spots that welcome a mix of gay and straight visitors.
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Historical Context and Shifting Perspectives
Before gaining independence in 1956, Tangier, on Morocco’s northern tip, was declared an International Zone, overseen by nine European countries. At a time when much of Europe and North America imposed particularly conservative laws, Tangier was a liberal haven where alternative travelers could come and indulge in all the things that were taboo back home, including drugs, gay sex and prostitution.
Yves Saint Laurent, William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac were amongst Morocco’s artist fans in the 1950s and 1960s, along with the Rolling Stones and The Beatles. It became a haven for gay travelers.
Morocco may well have had liberal attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in its more distant past, too. Al-Malhoun, for example, is an ancient form of sung poetry; some of the poems are believed to refer to sexual relationships between men.
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It has been suggested that the extreme segregation of men and women in Islamic cultures historically led to same sex relationships becoming fairly commonplace.
Recent Events and Incidents
- February 2024: Two people were arrested on the accusation of practicing homosexuality.
- March 2024: The Royal Gendarmerie reportedly raided a house after receiving a tip-off it was hosting “gay activities” and arrested a group of young men.
- July 2024: King Mohamed VI pardoned journalist Suleimán Raisuni, who had been convicted “for ‘sexual assault’ on a homosexual.
- November 2024: A young minor, who had been previously subjected to assault and rape by a muezzin was sentenced to six months in prison himself, under ‘the accusation of being gay’.
- September 2024: Four individuals, including a foreigner, were arrested by the police in Marrakesh for homosexuality and drug possession.
- November 2022: A trans woman was violently beaten by a group of people in Tangier.
Navigating Morocco as an LGBTQ+ Traveler
One way to help keep yourself safe is to understand and portray customs from the area you’re visiting. When greeting someone in Morocco, keep in mind that they're more formal. Moroccans say “salaam alykum” to everyone. Same-sex individuals typically greet with two air kisses on each cheek, or they shake hands. When men greet women, they wait for her to extend her hand. Be sure to greet with your right hand-the left hand is viewed as unclean.
Men are expected to wear collared shirts or t-shirts that cover their shoulders, along with shorts or pants that come to their knees. Women are expected to wear loose-fitting, long clothing. Foreign women don't have to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque, so a scarf is advisable for modesty. When visiting rural areas, cover your arms and legs, as they're more conservative. Remember, if you’re visiting during Ramadan, you should dress even more conservatively.
Unfortunately, there aren't any recommended dating apps for the LGBTQ+ community in Morocco due to limited LGBTQ+ rights. Police will use dating apps as a means of entrapment. They’ll create fake profiles and lure users into meeting up with them and then arrest them.
LGBTQ+ Hotspots and Destinations
As previously mentioned, Tangier, Marrakech, and Agadir are three cities worth visiting. Marrakech, on the other hand, is the LGBTQ+ hub of activity for expats in Morocco. You'll even find celebrities such as Yves Saint-Laurent who call Marrakech home. Although Essaouira and Agadir don't have gay scenes, their beaches attract a very large European gay tourist following.
Here are some spots in Marrakech:
- Comptoir Darna: A great place to enjoy a blend of gay and straight foreigners and locals, along with signature cocktails.
LGBTQ+ Organizations
Morocco does have an LGBTQ+ non-governmental organization, Kif-Kif. It’s recognized by Spain since it is not legally recognized in Morocco and has a focus on LGBTQ+ rights.
Signs of Progress
There are tangible signs of progress in Morocco. In June 2023, the U.S. embassy in Marrakesh flew rainbow flags and openly celebrated Pride Month for the first time. That same month, Ellen DeGeneres was spotted holding hands in Marrakech’s medina with her wife. In February 2023, Touzani’s film The Blue Caftan came out, about a married souk shop owner who falls in love with his young male apprentice.
While queer travelers are wise to be thoughtful about the risks involved-and certainly be respectful of the broader anti-PDA culture-it would be a shame if LGBTQ travelers never got to experience Morocco’s warm hospitality, or its decorative Islamic architecture and horseshoe arches, or its evocative call to prayer, echoing from mosques and minaret towers across the city.
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