MOROCCO WILL NOT TOLERATE HOMOSEXUALITY

By Mongezi Mhlongo (BTM Reporter)

MOROCCO – 16 April 2009: Moroccan government has vowed to clamp down on homosexuals in a statement released by the Interior Ministry last month, citing that any practice that is a degradation of moral and religious values upheld in that region will not be tolerated.

The latest attack has been sparked by the media in that country who have put pressure on government to allow homosexual voices to be heard.

An interior Minister from the Moroccan Monarchy told The Associated Press 24 that “Several independent media urged Morocco to grant more freedom of speech to gay activists.”

He further indicated that a statement issued by the Interior Ministry, stating “Certain media are taking a stand for certain ignominious behaviors, which is a provocation for the national public opinion”, referred to homosexuality.

The statement also read “Any act contrary to moral or religious values will be repressed.”

Meanwhile, Samir Barkachi of Morrocan gay rights group Kifkif told examiner.com that “in Morocco, even tolerant people still don’t like the idea of being involved with a gay associations.”

Homosexuality still remains taboo in this predominantly Islamic region.

Article 489 of Morocco’s Penal code criminalizes same sex conduct, referred to as, “lewd or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex”, with a maximum sentence of up to three years or a fine of up to 1200 Dirhams (currency of several Arab nations). 

Barkachi regards this code as “A dangerous law that was put in place by France.”

“We demand that it be revised. The law has no right to interfere with what people get up to in bed”, he said.

Despite the proposed crackdown Kifkif organised a conference yesterday 15 April 2009 in Marrakesh to bring to the fore LGBTI issues which are seemingly sidelined.

“Our meeting aims to change pejorative attitudes towards homosexuality. It’s a small meeting but we aim to make ourselves heard”, said Barkachi.

Article 6 of Morocco’s constitution, while acknowledging and guaranteeing freedom of religion, it also affirms that Islam is the State’s religion.

Furthermore article 9 of the constitution protects freedom of expression and association but notes that such liberties may be limited according to the law.

Morocco is currently under the leadership of King Mohammed VI