Human rights groups petition to de-criminalise homosexuality in Morocco
2008-02-29
Moroccan human rights activists launched a petition campaign to overturn the Moroccan criminal law punishing homosexuality. They also want the government to free several men imprisoned for participating in a gay wedding video posted on the internet.
By Naoufel Cherkaoui for Magharebia in Rabat – 28/02/08
 [Getty Images] Khadija Ryadi, president of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights, launched a petition campaign Tuesday to free jailed homosexuals. |
Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) issued a petition Tuesday (February 26th) calling on the Moroccan government to abolish the law which punishes homosexuality with prison sentences and to release 6 men currently jailed under the applicable criminal law chapter.
AMDH President Khadija Ryadi told Magharebia: "The purpose of the petition is to open discussion about this segment of people in society, one of those categories no one talks about."
The issue came to international attention when Moroccan security authorities arrested six people last November, after a video was circulated on the internet showing a private gay wedding ceremony in the northern Moroccan city of Ksar El-Kebir. The ceremony was reportedly organized by a man named Fouad. The tape showed clips of someone dressed in a bride's wedding clothes and walking in front of a group of attendees at one of the houses. On January 15th, the Court of Appeals in Tangier decided to reduce the imprisonment terms for five defendants but maintained the 10-month sentence against Fouad.
Addressing the alleged gay wedding video case, Ryadi said, "The time is now suitable for the government to abolish that chapter which is used to violate the personal freedoms of those people, and which was arbitrarily used in the case of Ksar El-Kebir. This has led to jailing the defendants without evidence in an unfair trial that was conducted under popular pressure and depended on a video tape that includes no proof. We consider personal freedom to be everyone's right as long as it doesn't affect others' freedoms. We call for respecting that freedom and for not intervening in it."
On the other hand, Justice and Development Party official Mustafa al-Ramid said, "The law derives its article from the Moroccan Constitution, which states that Morocco is a Muslim country." Al-Ramid said that "the subject of the petition is out of context and has nothing to do with the nature of Moroccans."
There should be no intervention in personal freedom when exercised in a private framework, he said. However, when that freedom is exercised in a public framework, as was the case of Ksar El-Kebir, then it must be governed by the values of the society and its public system.
Al Ramid expressed his sorrow about the fact that the petition was backed by a Moroccan organisation. "Laws must express the conscience of society," he said.
In response to the Islamist party member's comments, Khadija Ryadi said the AMDH maintains "there should be no discrimination among people based on race, religion, [or] ideas."
She added, "We don't consider that there should be controls in respecting human rights, and we must not depend on private affairs to violate people's freedom."
The petition campaign now under way hopes to repeal Chapter 489 of the Moroccan Criminal Code, which incriminates acts of homosexuality made by any person towards another person of the same sex.
Email to a friend
Print version
ma Posted 2008-02-29
Don’t these people know that homosexuality causes serious diseases, including AIDS? It is forbidden by a text from the Qur'an. They should look for a country where homosexuality is authorised, not Morocco.
halim Posted 2008-03-01
The phenomenon of homosexuality is a reality and a social fact that is increasingly apparent today. This is due to multiple reasons that are not only socio-cultural but also psychological. As for the nature of homosexual acts—just so that things are clear and make sense—it is a pure and simple deviation from human nature as dictated by God’s will. Nevertheless, I consider this reality to be a complex and delicate situation, deserving more attention and understanding as well as taking the social and psychological care of homosexual persons in order to lead them to the best path possible to change their habits, integrate them and fill them with our the values of our Islamic religion. I am against authorising gay marriage; accepting this would call into question our faith and nature things. But, I would say that gays are only victims of our so very simple mentalities and our shutting off of constructive debate in civil society, which would allot for a the good understanding and integration of this social category with the goal of avoiding social fissures and the politicisation of this matter.
acharif moulay abdellah bouskraoui Posted 2008-03-01
Morocco is a Muslim state under the liege of the sovereign Commander of the Faithful. It is a state of tolerance and openness, yet conserving its particularity as a Muslim state. Thus, it must be known that the freedom and democracy Morocco enjoys is not permitted to everyone; it is not permitted to whomever wishes to use our freedom and democracy to sow poison and destroy the basic principals of Islam. Freedom has its limits; otherwise there is disorder. Long live His Majesty, Mohammed VI! Down with everyone who wants to sow discord under the pretext of defending human rights!
rachie Posted 2008-03-01
You really need to back off, daughter! This is Morocco, not Europe. You can't use the law to tarnish our reputation. You must be respectful to your brothers!
عبد الصمد Posted 2008-03-02
This is the last thing left for you in Morocco, morals, you want destroy them with human rights. Allah Akbar (God is the greatest).
المغرب Posted 2008-03-02
Long live king Mohamed VI, protector of citizens.....
Najib Posted 2008-03-02
Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) under President Khadija Ryadi should fight for other rights and stop wasting her time homosexuality. Morocco is a muslim country and Moroccans should follow the rules of the religion. There are so many rights that the majority of moroccans are lacking. Homosexuals are a minority and the effors by AMDH should not be wasted on them
nouga Posted 2008-03-03
In fact when freedom is practised in a general framework it is regulated by the values of society and its public order. Mostafa Ramid was right. How can some people dare defend homosexuals while the Qur'an is clear on this point? When God inflicted on the people of Lot torture and plotted against them. Defending human rights cannot be in this way by dissemination corruption and vice in society but through defending the human being by taking his full rights to education, housing, health, work...
hichamel youssoufi Posted 2008-03-03
Hello, I think this article is so interesting!!! I guess we sure have solved all the problems of society, like underage workers, alcohol, drugs, cohabitation, education, health!? All that is left now is to legalise homosexuality! Hats off! Quit following the trends and always wanted to please the international institutions; we are losing our national identity by means of our obsequiousness. Let us concentrate on the truly substantive subject.
KAMEL Posted 2008-03-03
I think it is a grave error attempting to decriminalise homosexuality. It will encourage extremism of all kinds... Above all, we must not forget we are in a Muslim nation. This is really a social migration in Europe...
saidani miloudi Posted 2008-03-03
A criminilisation petition against Israel that kills and burns innocent children is first better than a de-criminilisation one for the benefit of homosexual rich Moroccan minority.Isn't it a shame Miss Khadija Ryadi?
Anonymous Posted 2008-03-03
Those who signed this petition have no sense of responsibility!
Noures Posted 2008-03-03
I am sorry, but this is really inconceivable. Not even animals do this. Yet, so-called men dare to. Why pretend to defend their rights when, at the heart of the matter, the evidence has it that they are abusing them? One’s freedoms begin where another’s end. The sentence the court judged fit to accord is quite light compared to the evil that they are doing to society and the nation as a whole.
yassine Posted 2008-03-03
Salam alikoum. We’re sorry, ashamed, and resort to God from the evils of our deeds. You’ve left all rights, the right to a living, the right to work, the right to health and education and you go to defend the baseness that is terrifying. We had enough moral depravity and imitation of the west and adopting their evils. If I were you I would have ordered the harshest punishment or drop these homosexuals in the depth of the sea so be ashamed of yourself and fear God or go to another country, this is not your earth.
أحمدويحي Posted 2008-03-04
These people don’t know the meaning of human rights to appoint themselves as supporters of human rights. Human rights are defined by heavenly laws, God has honoured human beings over all other creatures and God Almighty instructed him with things he should do, He also forbade him from doing other things which he should avoid. These rights enacted by God to his subjects should be defended by man and are considered rights like his right to life, a dignified living, freedom…But the vice isn’t a right of the rights, it is just a crime and an enormous deed, it is a line separating the human being and other creatures such as animals. If he commits it, he has thus violated the heavenly rules, contradicted the nature on which God created people. He is therefore not a human being. Moreover, those who defend him have no rights and don’t have the right to appoint himself as defender of human rights. Those who defend human rights should know what are human rights.
جزائري Posted 2008-03-05
There is no power and no will but from God Almighty. Nations are values as long as they continue, if they lose their values, they are lost. There is no power and no will but from God.
rachid Posted 2008-03-05
As if we have solved all of our problems and there is only homosexuality left!!! There is no need to be shocked that there are Islamists and integrationists in the Arab countries.
reda Posted 2008-03-07
Practically speaking, homosexuality is only the psychological representation of a natural deviation of collateral effects. There is nothing genetic about it, as some novices have as the underlying message in their articles on the subject. No scientific research makes provisions for this. Furthermore, it is an extreme violation of divine laws on earth. To speak further about the case of Morocco, the fact that it is Islamic and the king is named by Sharia and Bay'ah, means there is no question to raise: no question!! As certain people have said in response to this, King Mohammed VI gave his position on a similar subject (that is: the rejection and complete suppression of polygamy with regards to Morocco’s women). In cases of not prohibiting that which Islam allows and prohibiting that which it does not, the exact phrase was as follows: “The King explained that he cannot authorise what Islam prohibits, nor prohibit what it permits.”
gol Posted 2008-03-08
All the forum-writers are defending the same argument!... Namely, Taliban-ism and intolerance, except that those who defend this argument prefer to live in country like France, a country of human rights, and not one like Afghanistan, Iran, Algeria, etc. All the same, this is quite paradoxical: these same people are for a society of intolerance, where everyone should be perfect. This is a bit like Hitler, who was in favour of an Aryan race. To sum up: "We are for a country that applies the Sharia to a degree not yet seen"... This does not mean that we have to accept homosexual marriage. Far from it- to a self-respecting society, marriage is the union of a man and a woman with goal of having children, contrary to homosexuality. Homosexuality is not only shocking but also disgusting, but a society where everyone must be perfect is an intolerant society.
humain Posted 2008-03-21
i can't believe it realy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! day by day new jewish ideas used to be transmitted inside our society, traditions and relegion, the only question now is; who will be the deffender of this heritage ......... but if we will have to accept a new Human Rights that allow homosexuelty in Morocco that's will be the hell itself upon ourselves. that God protect us.....
Jerome Posted 2008-04-01
I have had a very good Moroccan friend who came to study in France. She loved to party, even more than we French do. And, I am not lying when I say that back at her home, alcohol flowed like a river every weekend. When we went to go visit her in Rabat—we were cordially invited—we were really shocked by her difference in behavior: no alcohol and no boys in her (parent’s) house after a certain hour. So, stop with this hypocrisy, please. You are unbelievable. It is the same thing with homosexuality. What does it prove that it is not natural? Is it natural for bees that only the queen can procreate when all the other females can procreate too? Like bees, homosexuals are more focused on their career plan, and thus better benefit society. given their proportion. Whether it is in the sciences, arts or politics, the list of famous homosexuals is endless.
hichamel youssoufi Posted 2008-04-02
1) Jerome, as a reminder, the Moroccan you knew was an exception. She represents just a part of Moroccan society, which does not exceed two per cent of Morocco’s total population of 36 million. And, minimum wage does not exceed 200 euros a month. Nor is there a guaranteed minimum income (RMI) or unemployment compensation. Furthermore, given you are based your opinion of a one in 36 million sample, your reasoning is quite narrow. Second, this is a well-to-do generation. They can study and party in France when one euro equals 11.4 dirhams and one baguette equals one euro, 11.4 dirhams or five per cent of our minimum wage. Third, the majority of Moroccans—that is: more that 99 per cent—are Muslims. They may practice in various ways, but they are, above all else, most certainly Muslims. Fourth, as Morocco is a sovereign state, I do not understand the interference of foreigners in our convictions. Fifth, wake up! Our protectorate status ended ages ago!
Kenza Posted 2008-06-26
In reading your comments, I asked myself the question: “You proclaim to be Muslims?” The stress belongs on the word “proclaim”; and, I am sorry, but you are far from being so. This is not aggression on my part; I am just being realistic. You now cite God and the Quran—each one a true source of belief—but you are not Muslims. All the deeds and gestures that you make all day long are far from being true to the application of our religion. When you go out on the street and you trail behind some chick, you say it is her fault: she is the one who is sauntering in torn jeans. I am sorry, but you are the ones who have a problem with your hormones. Then, afterwards, you go talk about homosexuality. I think that this ought to be the last of your problems. Start first by taking care of your own selves, then you can go qualify homosexuality as sexual deviance—something that it is not.
elias amador Posted 2008-09-22
What a bunch of intolerant homophobes and racists! You want democracy in Morocco and yet you are in the process of writing hateful comments. Why criticise homosexuals whom you do not even know? Why criticise Jews when they were living with the Berbers long before the Arab conquest? Homosexuality is not some phenomenon that came from the West; homosexuality has always existed in human history! People only get what they deserve!!! Shame on you!!!
SERGE Posted 2008-09-23
It should be known that homosexuality is a mental disease linked to personality and behavioural disorders such that the sick person himself does not understand that he is sick and thinks of himself as normal. It is a side effect of a psychoaffective developmental disorder, which can point back to a very young age and which is found to remain yet still. Therefore, adequate therapy is necessary. A specialist in this field is needed, and, believe me, there can be a complete recovery.
Anonymous Posted 2008-09-23
We are not criticising homosexuals that we know, but homosexuality in general. And, just because the Jews were in North Africa before the Arabs does not mean that we do not have the right to criticise them!!! I agree with you on one thing: homosexuality exists and has existed for a long time, and it did not come from the West. However, this does not prevent us Muslims from fighting it and caring for the people who suffer from it!
Anonymous Posted 2008-09-24
Thank you, Serge.
nasserbastiano Posted 2008-09-25
In response to Elias Amador: Leviticus, chapter 18, verse 22: “Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind: because it is an abomination.” That’s clear, no!!!???
RAIS Posted 2008-09-26
It is necessary to first recognise that one’s own sickness before getting care and it is especially necessary to not trivialise one’s homosexuality, as it is very very dangerous. In every human being there is a homosexual element, and just trivialising it is enough to risk transforming into one and then it is pure hell. Nature loathes anything that goes against it.
gol Posted 2008-09-28
So we must tolerate homosexuality for the simple reason that it is not these individuals’ fault that they are attracted to the same sex!? Then, from this line of reasoning, my questions is: “Why punish paedophiles if it is not their fault that they are attracted to children?” No, let us be more serious here: both of them need treatment!
marocain Posted 2008-10-26
Stop your hypocrisy! Islam does not apply solely to homosexuals; it applies to heterosexuals’ habits too. (Or, is it that you think you are divine because you are heterosexual?) Homosexuals are healthy human beings just like you. Moreover, they have the right to live too. It is not because the King is the commander of the faithful that all the Moroccans should be believers and practicers. Likewise, there are homosexuals who are nevertheless faithful to their religions. It is shameful that there are those who say that homosexuality is the cause of AIDS. This is proof of a very poor level of culture. And, paedophilia is not homosexuality. Punish the paedophiles, not the homosexuals, since the former commit their acts with children who are not responsible for themselves and who are seduced, not adults. The truth is there if you do not want to turn a deaf ear to it. Moreover, do not forget that it is possible that your loved ones—brothers, sisters, fathers and so on—could also be closet homosexuals who do not live out that life. I am in favour of the decriminalisation of homosexuality!
gol Posted 2008-10-28
To Moroccan- You need to avoid running your mouth to the point that you mix homosexuality with Islam. Simply put, Islam rejects homosexuality. If we are to tolerate and accept homosexuality, then we would be taking the first step towards tolerating all sorts of extreme sexual practices, including those involving children, the same sex, and even animals (for certain people) and so on. This list is long and quite varying, but there is one thing in common to all of it is being an unbalanced person.
felfel haaar of London Posted 2008-10-28
to marocain, why don't you get your facts right? Allah hates homosexuals and their unatural, abominable acts, so do not bring Islam into this to justify what has always been forbidden, read the Koran, the story of Lot (peace be upon him) to convince yourself, what's more the story of Lot exist also in the Christian Bible and the Jewish Torah. So do not speak without Knowledge.
karim Posted 2008-11-09
It is nice to stat a petition and all, but it would be better if it were visible somewhere on the Internet because no one can find it. May they decriminalise this quickly so that we no longer anymore of Ksar El Kebir’s medieval acts, something that gives Morocco a horrible image and that shames the Kingdom of Morocco and, I hope, lots of Moroccans too. WHERE IS THIS PETITION?
maximus Posted 2008-11-27
I confirm to you sirs that all international conventions of human rights do not include a single article dealing with homosexuality. So why hide behind human rights? Homosexuality is a psychological disease which requires treatment and not [unclear].
Aron Posted 2009-02-25
Can anyone tell me human rights principles which the moslem recognize? From my shalow knowledge, I know, for example, women do not have any right, except covering their full body with dress. So let us get to the point
simo Posted 2009-03-27
I note with bitterness the prejudices in the Maghreb, which we cannot overcome. Openness of mind is and will rest for yet a long time wishful thinking. Underdeveloped we are and underdeveloped we will stay, something that confirms the formidable idea of Professor Mehdi El Menjra: “Underdevelopment is question of... details.” Many are the people of the Maghreb who completely lack realism, who speak of the Maghreb not as it really is but as they desire and wish it to be in their subconscious, whatever that may be. Poor Maghreb! When will there be an end to this mirage of our society, our past, our civilisation, all of which are nothing more than failure after failure in reality? When will we have a true interest in moving completely beyond this and opening a new page, beginning a new life? Our past is nothing but poverty, shame, failure and... underdevelopment. Disowning this and definitively abandoning it as quickly as possible will surely limit the retrograde influence the obscurantists have across the board – and all the better! A word to the wise! –Bye
triste Posted 2009-03-28
Let the homosexuals live in peace! Stop having double standards! Why do you judge people just because they are oriented towards the same sex? Learn to accept these people’s differences so that we may live in a society of peace and love. Stop with your policies of hypocrisy and hatred. We are not all the same just because we are Moroccans!
Anonymous Posted 2009-03-28
I support the decriminalisation of homosexuality.
إنتصار الفرشيشي Posted 2009-03-31
It is illogical to ignore moral and religious values under the pretext of defending human rights. Will this sick category infected by AIDS protect human rights? Will it protect them from the curse of God and exclusion from the mercy of God? Respect the orders of God in this category, pray for their guidance and offer them psychological treatment instead of drowning them in an ocean of evil and justifying it for them.
narcissa Posted 2009-04-07
I am a pure heterosexual and I support the freedom to enjoy in your desires with consenting people. Being punished for wanting to realise a fantasy is something I do not understand. We are free in our sexuality. It is as if someone tried to prohibit the 69 position or everyone.
hichamel youssoufi Posted 2009-04-28
I have only one thing to say: Islam is our religion and Islam prohibits homosexuality and sodomy. The 69-position is permitted. There is no need to look any further. Those who want to live out their perverse inclinations should just go live somewhere else. A word to the wise! PS – I would say the same about concubinage, alcohol, drugs, prostitution and adultery. A word to the wise!!!
Anonymous Posted 2009-04-30
I am sorry but – not even speaking about Islam – psychological studies have always confirmed that the homosexuality results from an imbalance in people. I am not against taking care of these people and truly helping the, reconstruct their personalities; they are but victims. But, it is incredibly unfortunate to encourage them to drown in their wrongs. And, it is even more unfortunate to see that this organization has as its central interest human complexes and not human rights. We need to have a minimum amount of pride for our society, the values of which you are in the process of destroying by entrenching anomalies in the name of “personal freedom”.
ضحية استغلال جنسية رجل Posted 2009-09-07
First of all, it is very difficult to define a legal framework which allows people who suffer from the disease of homosexuality to express their deviant sexual penchants. Otherwise, life will become a jungle without moral regulations. It is true that homosexuality exists, but there are many who resist in order to recover from it. I am one of them. I had been victim in my childhood for two years. But in spite of this, I haven’t and won’t return to this enormity even if it were on the detriment of my live because I consider that what is left of my manliness is my raison d’être. I assure you that I am the most miserable person in the world because I am internally divided between an opposing thought and a sweeping feeling. The messenger, peace and prayer be upon him, ordered killing the person who does the act and the person who receives the act. There is wisdom in this which is only known by someone who was victim of homosexuality but has conscience not to fall in homosexuality again with his will. This is very difficult for me. My life is just an expectation of death. I have isolated myself from the world and from the big family to avoid looks of people which kill me although indirect. I left studies just one year before I got my university degree. I have no future. I intentionally drive my soul to its destruction. Believe me, I have conscience which sacrifices everything so that people would say I am a man and not a homosexual. But unfortunately, symptoms appear in spite of me which generate hatred. Therefore, I am not surprised to see high rates of criminality in Morocco because there are people who rejected homosexuality as a way of life. But it will certainly present an involuntary behaviour. To discuss the phenomenon, the state must do its role not by annulling laws criminalizing the plague, but by overcoming this taboo through the establishment of listening centres and looking for treatment. Not every victim of homosexuality wants to become the average man.
We welcome your comments on Magharebia's articles.
It is our hope that you will use this forum to interact with other readers across the Maghreb. In order to keep this experience interesting, we ask you to follow the rules outlined in the comments policy. By submitting comments, you are consenting to these rules. While Magharebia.com encourages discussion on all subjects, including sensitive ones, the comments posted are solely the views of those submitting them. Magharebia.com does not necessarily endorse or agree with the ideas, views, or opinions voiced in these comments. This is a moderated forum. Comments deemed abusive, offensive, or those containing profanity may not be published.
Magharebia's Comments Policy