Morocco king gay
Morocco: the Monarch and Rumours
In comparison with the majority of Middle East and North African countries, Moroccan political life is a bed of roses. Media coverage of governmental and parliamentary activities appeals small to the general public. The media therefore prefers to focus its attention on the activities of King Mohammed VI and the royal family. Due to its core position in the Moroccan political system, the monarchy generates excitement in the Moroccan media and the general universal at large. This very interest has led to it being at the heart of rumours, which in some instances have been reported in the written press. These false stories come across fertile ground in a locked political system marked by the absence of political communication on the part of the monarchy,1 and a lack of professionalism in the media.
The initial rumour
It is 1993, and King Hassan II is preparing for the transition of power to his son, Mohammed VI. Negotiations with the opposition have been held over the previous several years to ensure their participation in what is labelled an ‘alternative government.' During this period, a rumour circulates in the salons of Rabat and Casablan
Sexuality and Identity
Prior to 1912, Morocco was considered “the model moderate Muslim country” and was extremely prosperous. Twentieth century Morocco, however, experienced a great deal of change due to political unrest resulting from the French and Spanish protectorates, along with a move by the Alaouite dynasty to achieve Moroccan independence. The French protectorate began in 1912 during a period of weakness within the dynasty and lasted until 1956 when Morocco gained its independence.
The French protectorate was established for France to further their economic interests in North Africa. King Mohammed V (1927-1961) actively opposed the French protectorate seeing that the French played a strategic game to ensure that Morocco remained “traditional” and untouched by modernity–they used the Amazigh language to separate and rule and further made French the language of trade (Leila Abouzeid). Remaining traditional was particularly problematic for Moroccan women, as the colonial administration severely limited training for women, relegating them to the realm of household labor and limiting them from knowledge the language of trade/French; this woul
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Last updated: 17 December 2024
Types of criminalisation
- Criminalises LGBT people
- Criminalises sexual activity between males
- Criminalises sexual activity between females
Summary
Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited under the Penal Code 1962, which criminalises ‘lewd or unnatural acts’. This provision carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment and a fine. 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. The criminalising law is therefore of local origin, having been adopted in the 1962 Penal Code.
There is substantial evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, with LGBT people being frequently subject to arrest. Reports imply that hundreds of prosecutions under the law possess taken place in recent years. There have been consistent reports of discrimination and violence being pledged against LGBT people, including assault, harassment, and societal marginalisation.
Law an
LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to Morocco
Interesting Cities to Visit in Morocco
MARRAKECH
At the foot of the Atlas Mountains lies Morocco’s most famous town, Marrakech, best known for its vibrant, bustling square and market called Jemaa el-Fnaa. Day and night, this is where you’ll find desert musicians, snake charmers, storytellers, acrobats and more ready to entertain and profit from tourists passing by, as successfully as countless food stalls and artisans selling local crafts. Flee the hustle and bustle and step inside the tranquil Menara Gardens, complete with a 19th-century palace, reflecting pool and olive groves backdropped by the Atlas Mountains on the horizon. Must-see sights also include the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, and the Bahia Palace, an architectural masterpiece.
FEZ
Located in the northeastern part of the nation, Fez is often considered the cultural capital since it has the best maintained traditions and old-world charm. The center of it all is the Fes El Bali, the walled medina, with its narrow, pedestrian streets that house artisan workshops, mosques and an 11th-century tannery still using ancient methods of tanning and dying leathe