Gay rights in Morocco

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Contents 1 Law against gays 2 Protection Based on Sexual Orientation in Law 3 Recognition of same sex couples 4 Gay life in the country 5 See also 6 Links 7 Resources

[edit] Law against gays

According to article 489 of the Penal Code, homosexuality in Morocco is illegal and can be punished with anything from 6 months to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of 120 to 1200 Dirhams. Nevertheless, the law is seldom enforced, and homosexual activity is fairly common, especially in the holiday resorts^{[citation needed]}. Relationships are often visibly displayed and money often plays a role where sex is involved. In the community homosexuality remains a taboo and is considered immoral.

[edit] Protection Based on Sexual Orientation in Law

There is no anti-discrimination law. Even though many of the citizens of Morocco may be liberal-leaning, the government is still reluctant toward the issue^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] Recognition of same sex couples

There is no legal recognition of same-sex couples.

[edit] Gay life in the country

Morocco has a macho culture, with rigid gender roles^{[citation needed]}. There is quite a large gay scene, much of which revolves around the European expatriate community, especially in Marrakech and – to a lesser extent – Agadir and Tangier^{[citation needed]}. In many situations, the expatriates will "keep" a young Moroccan^{[citation needed]}. Police have been known to arrest Moroccans seen walking with Europeans late at night on charges of prostitution, with no penalties for the European.

In August, 2006. a gay pride celebration is planned to feature in Tetouan. This is arousing tension among Moroccans^{[citation needed]}. The conference is supposed to bring gay people from all over Morocco.

[edit] See also

• Human rights in Morocco

[edit] Links

• Middle East Gay Journal
• Bal al-Hourria
• Gay Casablanca Yahoo!Group
• Gay Casablanca Website

[edit] Resources

• Puterbaugh, Geoff. Africa, North. Encyclopedia of Homosexuality. Dynes, Wayne R. (ed.), Garland Publishing, 1990. pp. 19-22.
• (Italian) Patanè, Vincenzo. Arabi e noi. DeriveApprodi, 2002.