80% of Moroccans hold negative views on LGBT individuals amid broader social attitudes

A recent survey by Afrobarometer, a leading pan-African research network, has revealed that nearly 80% of Moroccans express strong disapproval of individuals identifying as LGBT.

Only 2.5% of respondents indicated any form of positive sentiment toward the community, reflecting deep-seated social conservatism regarding sexual orientation in the country.

The findings form part of Afrobarometer’s latest “Summary of Research in Morocco,” which examines public attitudes across a range of social, political, and economic issues.

Religious identity remains overwhelmingly prominent in Morocco, with over 98% of participants identifying as Muslims, while the number of self-declared atheists stood at just 0.1%.

Technological access appears widespread: 96% of respondents own a mobile phone, and nearly 80% report regular internet access. Meanwhile, 58% hold personal bank accounts, indicating a steady rise in financial inclusion.

On legal and justice issues, 70.4% support the use of capital punishment, especially in cases involving serious crimes such as murder. However, around 25% oppose the death penalty under any circumstances, arguing that no criminal act justifies such a sentence.

Confidence in public institutions varied. While over 68% expressed trust in the national judiciary, only 6.1% said they trust opposition political parties.

In foreign policy, approximately 60% of Moroccans support their country’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. A small minority, around 5%, voiced support for Russia in the conflict.

More than 55% of Moroccans have never considered emigrating, and opinions on abortion remain divided. One-third of respondents oppose abortion altogether, even in cases of rape or incest. In contrast, 33.6% believe it is justifiable when the pregnancy endangers the woman’s health. However, over 56% reject abortion due to financial hardship.