Survey: 66% of young Moroccans value virginity for marriage, 48% against polygamy

About two-thirds of young people in Morocco consider virginity an essential condition for marriage, according to a recent survey conducted by Sunergia Group in partnership with the newspaper L’Economiste.

The 2025 report on Moroccan youth found that 66% of respondents view virginity as important for marriage, including 74% of men and 59% of women. Across age groups, between 64% and 68% of respondents linked virginity to family honor and religious values.

The survey, which questioned 1,056 people aged 15 to 30, also revealed mixed views on other social issues.

Nearly half of respondents, 48%, said they oppose polygamy, with opposition particularly high among women at 76%. At the same time, 37% said they support the practice, including 60% of men. Researchers noted that younger respondents often view polygamy as unfair or outdated, though support remains stronger in rural areas where tradition and religion play a larger role.

On legal restrictions surrounding sexual relations outside marriage, 51% of those surveyed supported penalties for such acts. Support was higher among men at 60%, compared with 42% of women. Respondents aged 25 to 30 were the most tolerant, with 49% favoring sanctions.

A large majority, 70%, said they oppose allowing unmarried couples to stay together in hotels without presenting a marriage certificate, while 15% expressed some level of support.

Views on abortion were more divided. About 47% of respondents said abortion should remain illegal, while 44% supported decriminalization, mainly in cases of rape, incest or medical necessity. Women were more likely to favor decriminalization, at 53%, compared with 35% of men.

The survey also found strong opposition among young Moroccans to equal inheritance rights between men and women. About 77% opposed equality in inheritance, while 18% supported it. Opposition was high among both men (80%) and women (75%).

Regarding homosexuality, 58% of respondents said they support criminal penalties, while 35% opposed such laws. Women were generally more tolerant, and respondents aged 25 to 30 were the least supportive of criminalization, with 55% favoring penalties.